Matt Lucas pulls out of theatre role

Matt Lucas has pulled out of his lead role in the London production of Prick Up Your Ears following the death of his former partner Kevin McGee.

McGee was found hanged at his flat in Edinburgh by police at 8am yesterday and Lucas has been described as "utterly destroyed" by the news.

Producers confirmed to BBC News that Lucas would leave the play until further notice, with the part of Kenneth Halliwell being taken by understudy Michael Chadwick.

A statement from police regarding McGee's death read: "[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."

Lucas and McGee wed in a civil partnership ceremony in December 2006 but separated last year.