Alan Carr jokes about marriage break-up in first show since split confirmed

Alan Carr made light of his marriage break-up as he returned to the stage for the first time since confirming he has split from his husband.

The 45-year-old comedian and husband Paul Drayton announced their separation on Friday, 21 January and on Sunday Carr performed stand-up at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend, Essex.

The Chatty Man star told the sold-out audience: "You might have read I am going through a divorce. I know it is always sad when couples go apart but it is good news if you’re a horny groupie into chubby homosexuals. Travelodge room 242…"

Read more: Alan Carr gave up alcohol for six months to support addict husband

The couple announced in a joint statement last week: "After 13 years as a couple and three years of marriage, Alan Carr and Paul Drayton would like to announce they are separating.

"They have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go their separate ways. We request that their privacy is respected at this sensitive time."

Drayton, who has struggled with addiction over the years, announced on Instagram that he was checking into rehab.

He said: "It is with great sadness that I share the news that Alan and I have jointly decided to end our marriage. This decision has been very difficult for us both and we part ways with great memories and continued love and friendship for each other as we go our separate ways.

"As part of my own journey, I proactively checked myself into a rehabilitation facility at the turn of the new year in order to get the help and support I need during this challenging time. This was not an easy step to take, but I know it is the right one going forward. These last couple of years have been challenging to say the least, as they have been for so many others. But I remain deeply committed to my journey of sobriety and strength."

Carr and Drayton dated for around 10 years before tying the knot in 2018 in singer Adele’s back garden.

The comedian has spoken of Drayton’s issues with alcohol in the past, and once shared that he went teetotal to support his husband after he went to rehab.

Last year he revealed he had given up drinking for six months to support his husband, after he fell off the wagon in lockdown.

Read more: Alan Carr says he quit Twitter because of the cancel culture

He told an audience in Leeds on his current National Trinket tour about his dabble with sobriety, admitting: "It was the worst f***ing Christmas I've ever had.

"And my mother didn't help by offering him a Bailey's and going, 'It's only Bailey's – what's the worst that can happen?!'"

Watch: Alan Carr fill in for Adele on stage at the London Palladium