Little Britain’s Matt Lucas has left his role in Prick Up Your Ears until further notice after the suicide of his ex-partner Kevin McGee.

Mr McGee, 32, was found hanged at his Edinburgh flat and police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.

Mr Lucas had been playing a lead in Prick Up Your Ears, a play based on the life of writer Joe Orton, which opened on the weekend.

Producers have confirmed that understudy Michael Chadwick will take the role until further notice.

Mr Lucas and Mr McGee, who met before Mr Lucas found fame with Little Britain, married in December 2006, with a pantomime themed reception.

Mr Lucas filed for divorce in October 2008 because of “unreasonable behaviour” by his partner.