Dawson's Creek star to divorce

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek has filed for divorce from his wife of six years. Photo / AP

James Van Der Beek has filed for divorce.

The former Dawson's Creek star split from actress Heather McComb earlier this year and has now started legal proceedings to officially end their six-year marriage.

The papers were filed at a Los Angeles court and James cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their break-up.

The pair tied the knot in Malibu in 2003, six months after the sixth and final season of Dawson's Creek aired.

James' co-stars Michelle Williams and Busy Phillips attended the intimate ceremony.

Friends suspected a divorce was brewing when the couple sold their US$2.5 million home in Studio City, California, in March.

They put the mansion - which features 180-degree canyon, mountain and city views, and a luxurious mist cooling system - on the market.

Since they tied the knot, James - who played Dawson Leery in the US teen drama - has guest starred in How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Ugly Betty and Medium.

Heather has appeared in Prison Break, Crossing Jordan and CSI: New York.

- BANG! SHOWBIZ