Little Britain star Matt Lucas cut a sad figure yesterday as he was pictured without his wedding ring for the first time since his divorce from Kevin McGee was announced.

And to add insult to injury, Lucas seemed to be adding to his pain with a trip to the dentist.

The usually jovial comedian looked uncharacteristically sombre as he stepped out in a casual blazer and jeans.

Down in the mouth: Newly single Matt Lucas endures a trip to the dentist

Earlier in the day he had been spending time with best friend and co-star David Walliams, who was said to be comforting him.

The split is the first celebrity gay 'divorce' since the law was changed to allow same-sex ceremonies in December 2005.

The couple underwent a civil partnership 18 months ago, which means that Kevin McGee can by law expect a large chunk of the comedian's estimated £15 million fortune.

Happier times: Matt and Kevin McGee at their wedding reception in 2006

The couple married in a star-studded pantomime-themed ceremony in 2006 at London private members' club Home House.

Guests included Courtney Love who came as the Queen of Hearts, and Sir Elton John who dressed as Captain Hook. Lucas, whose elaborate characters and costumes are a feature of his Little Britain show, didn't disappoint in an exotic Aladdin costume, while McGee dressed as Prince Charming.

Friends told the Mail the couple had grown apart and 'fallen out of love' against a background of 34-year-old Lucas's spiralling fame in Britain and America.