Grieving Lucas pulls out of play

The couple's partnership was dissolved after less than two years

Little Britain star Matt Lucas has pulled out of his lead role in a London play after the death of his former partner Kevin McGee.

McGee, 32, was found hanged at his Edinburgh flat after police broke in on Monday, the Sun newspaper reported.

The television producer had updated his Facebook status to "Kevin McGee thinks death is better than life", just hours before, the paper said.

Lucas has left Prick Up Your Ears until further notice, producers confirmed.

Lucas's part will now be played by understudy Michael Chadwick.

Matt Lucas's agent said the actor had no comment to make.

'Found dead'

In a statement, police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

"(We) were called to an address in Bruntsfield Gardens, Edinburgh, at around 8am yesterday morning where a 32-year-old man was found dead.

"There are no suspicious circumstances, and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."

McGee's former employer, London production company Carbon Media, said: "Kevin McGee remained very close to the company's heart."

A spokesperson said it extended "deepest condolences to his family and friends".

The former couple met before the major television success of BBC comedy series Little Britain.

They wed in a lavish pantomime-themed ceremony in December 2006 but Lucas was granted a dissolution in October 2008 on the grounds of unreasonable behaviour by his partner.