Matt Lucas, the beloved English actor, comedian, and writer, known for his roles in Little Britain and The Great British Bake Off, has largely kept his personal life private, yet his romantic journey has been marked by a profound and publicly documented relationship that shaped his life. While often bringing laughter to millions, Lucas's romantic history reveals a deeply personal narrative of love, marriage, and enduring grief.
His most significant and publicly known relationship was with Kevin McGee, a television producer. The couple first crossed paths in a nightclub in 2002, forming an instant connection. Their relationship blossomed away from the immediate glare of the public eye in its early stages, building a foundation before Lucas's fame reached its peak.
After several years of dating, Lucas and McGee decided to formalize their commitment. They entered into a civil partnership in December 2006. The ceremony itself was modest, but it was followed by a lavish, pantomime-themed reception held at Banqueting House in Whitehall, London. This extravagant celebration was attended by approximately 400 guests, including notable figures such as Sir Elton John, Charlotte Church, and Paul O'Grady, reflecting the couple's prominence in the entertainment world. For the reception, Lucas famously dressed as Aladdin, while McGee donned a Prince Charming costume, embodying the playful spirit of their union.
However, their marriage was relatively short-lived. Just 18 months after their civil partnership ceremony, in 2008, the couple announced their separation. The divorce was finalized through the High Court, with Lucas citing McGee's "unreasonable behavior" as the grounds. Reports indicated that McGee struggled with drug use, specifically cocaine, and found it challenging to cope with Lucas's escalating fame. The geographical distance, particularly when Lucas was filming in Los Angeles, also placed a strain on their relationship, contributing to its breakdown.
Tragically, in October 2009, just 10 months after their divorce was finalized, Kevin McGee was found dead by suicide at his Edinburgh flat. He was 32 years old. McGee had reportedly posted a message on Facebook stating, "Kevin McGee thinks that death is much better than life," shortly before his passing. The news devastated Matt Lucas, who was reportedly "utterly destroyed" and "floored" by the loss. He withdrew from public engagements, including a West End play, to cope with his grief.
Lucas has since spoken openly about the profound impact of McGee's death on his life. In a 2017 interview with the Sunday Times Magazine, he reflected on his grieving process, stating, > "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. But I ended up eating lots and having lots of sex. That was how I responded." He has also shared that he still thinks of McGee "probably a hundred times a day," underscoring the enduring nature of his love and loss.
On the 10th anniversary of McGee's death in 2019, Lucas shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a smiling photograph of his late ex-husband. He captioned it, > "This is Kevin John McGee, who died ten years ago today. I loved him more than anyone I’ve ever met, and still do." This public declaration highlighted the deep and lasting affection he held for McGee, despite their separation and the tragic circumstances of his death.
Following this profound loss, Matt Lucas has maintained a relatively private dating life. He has openly discussed his experiences with online dating, particularly using Tinder. In 2015 and again in 2024, reports emerged of Lucas being on the popular dating app, seeking connection. He has described the experience as being "like a game" at times, and has encountered instances where potential matches didn't believe it was actually him. Despite these challenges, he has confirmed going on "nice, proper, old fashioned dates" through the platform.
Lucas has also shared his regret about not having children, a sentiment he has linked to the end of his marriage with Kevin McGee. This reflection provides further insight into his personal aspirations and the ways in which his past relationships have shaped his life's trajectory. As of recent reports, Matt Lucas is believed to be single, continuing to navigate his personal life with a blend of privacy and occasional public reflection on his journey through love and loss.
His romantic history, though primarily centered around one significant relationship, illustrates a deeply human experience of joy, public celebration, and profound grief. Matt Lucas continues to be a beloved public figure, and his openness about his past, particularly his enduring feelings for Kevin McGee, offers a poignant glimpse into the complexities of his personal world.