Matt Lucas of comedy show 'Little Britain'.

Matt Lucas of comedy show 'Little Britain'.

Comedian and Little Britain creator, Matt Lucas, has announced that he is splitting up with his partner of six years after getting "married" in a high-profile civil partnership ceremony 18 months ago.

The couple, who shared a home in north-west London worth 1.5 million pounds, are the first gay celebrity couple to "divorce" since the civil partnership laws were introduced and their split could be seen as a test case.

Some have speculated that Lucas could end up paying his former partner millions of pounds following the break-up.

Lucas has employed the same high-profile law company - Mishcon de Reya - used by Heather Mills and Diana, Princess of Wales, in their divorce battles.

In a joint statement Lucas and his partner, Kevin McGee, said: "It is with sadness that Matt and Kevin announce that their relationship has come to an end. Their separation is amicable."

Lucas is believed to have earned 6m pounds (NZ$15.5m) in 2006 from the BBC and other deals for his comedy work, and his personal fortune is estimated to stand anywhere between 10m and 20m pounds.

Under conventional divorce law, Mr McGee is entitled to half of this money but it is unclear what he is entitled to under a civil partnership arrangement.

James Stewart, a divorce lawyer, said: "A civil partnership is a marriage in all but name. Couples have the same rights and responsibilities and that goes for the finances as well."

It is unclear who will retain the house.

They had been together for three years and were engaged for seven months before their civil ceremony.

Their service was described as low key, taking place at Home House, a private members' club in London, but the reception, at Banqueting House in Whitehall, was one of the biggest showbiz events of the year n a lavish pantomime-themed event with a host of British and Hollywood celebrities who came in fancy dress.

Lucas, 34, wore an elaborate Aladdin costume while McGee, who is a television producer, turned up as Prince Charming.

Guests at the reception included the singer Sir Elton John, the actresses Barbara Windsor and Courtney Love, and Lucas's Little Britain comedy partner, David Walliams.

Lucas, who is best known among his fans as "the only gay in the village" after one of his most popular catchphrases in Little Britain, said at the time that he was "very much in love".