Content warning: this article contains references to suicide.
While many of us will know Matt Lucas as a hilarious comedian turned beloved TV presenter, it's clear he's faced some major struggles grieving the loss of his ex-husband.
The Little Britain star endured a devastating heartbreak over Kevin McGee's untimely death and once revealed he still thought about him '100 times a day'.
Lucas, 49, and McGee first entered into a civil partnership together at a ceremony in Central London back in December 2006, but called it quits after just 18 months later in October 2008.
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Then, just a year later in 2009, McGee unfortunately passed away.
He was just 32 years old when he was found dead in his Edinburgh flat after posting an apparent suicide note on Facebook, according to authorities.
The former Great British Bake Off presenter first crossed paths with McGee at a nightclub back in 2002.
McGee was a TV producer best known for his work on The Morning After Show (2005), Comic Relief: Red Nose Night Live 05 (2005) and The Real Little Britain (2004).
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While Lucas has clearly brought many a chuckles to the British public, and the rest of the world for that matter, he's been fairly open about his heartbreaking bereavement.
Back in 2017, Lucas told the Sunday Times magazine: "I think people respond in all different ways to grief.
"I thought I was very conscientious going to a bereavement counsellor and not turning to drink, which I hardly ever do — I probably have six units a year."
The Come Fly with Me actor also said he wasn't 'going to start smoking again' or 'do drugs'.
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"But I ended up eating lots and having lots of sex. That was how I responded," he revealed. "As much as anything I was trying to distract myself."
A couple years later, in 2019, Lucas took to social media to share a tribute for his late ex-partner to mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
In an Instagram post, he shared: "This is Kevin John McGee, who died 10 years ago today.
"I loved him more than anyone I've ever met, and still do. He was so funny and silly and clever and kind and handsome, and his smile made my heart soar.
"We were together for nearly six years and he made me the happiest man on the planet."
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Lucas continued: "In the end, he lost his battle with addiction and depression. I guess some people don't have the armour for this world."
He also added: "I think of him probably a hundred times a day, every day. In truth, I think of little else.
"I would give anything to see him again and maybe one day I will, but for now, I will be grateful for the time we had together and the love we shared.
"It was like no other."
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Celebrity, Sex and Relationships, Mental Health
Rhiannon Ingle