In the 1980s and 1990s, Michael Barrymore was one of Britain’s biggest and most bankable TV stars. Known for his high-energy presenting style, infectious humour, and unpredictable antics, Barrymore became a household name.
- “Strike It Lucky” (later Strike It Rich)
- “My Kind of People”
- “Barrymore” (his variety show)
It made him ITV’s golden boy. By the mid-’90s, he was pulling in 13 million viewers on a Saturday night. He won multiple National Television Awards and was widely loved by audiences for his flamboyant style and emotional openness.
In 1995, he publicly came out as gay during a stage performance. This occurred after his separation from his wife and manager Cheryl. The move was brave but controversial at the time, particularly in light of his family-friendly image. His popularity dipped slightly, but not dramatically. He still had a loyal fan base and continued working steadily.
The Fall: The Night of Stuart Lubbock’s Death
Everything changed on March 31, 2001. 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock was a father of two from Harlow, Essex. He was found unconscious in the swimming pool at Barrymore’s luxury home in Roydon, Essex.
The night before, Barrymore had hosted a party. Lubbock was among the guests.
Emergency services were called around 5:45 a.m. Lubbock was found in his underpants, floating in the pool. He died later in hospital. Post-mortem results showed:
- Serious internal injuries, consistent with sexual assault
- Alcohol, cocaine, and ecstasy in his system
- No clear signs of how or when the fatal injuries occurred
Initially, Barrymore said he had gone upstairs to bed and didn’t know what had happened. Several people were present at the house, but accounts of the night were inconsistent.
The Police Investigation and Public Fallout
The police were criticised for their handling of the scene, including letting people leave before being properly questioned. Over the years, the authorities made multiple arrests. This included Barrymore himself in 2007, on suspicion of murder and sexual assault. However, no charges were ever brought against anyone.
A coroner’s inquest in 2002 recorded an open verdict—meaning the cause of death could not be determined. Barrymore always denied any involvement in Lubbock’s death or cover-up.
He later claimed that Essex Police mishandled the investigation and destroyed his career. He successfully sued them in 2019 for wrongful arrest and damages. The High Court ruled the force was liable. He was awarded nominal compensation but wasn’t entitled to large damages.
Media Frenzy and Career Collapse
From the moment the Lubbock story broke, Barrymore’s career plummeted. ITV dropped him. Public opinion was divided and increasingly hostile. Tabloid headlines raged. His private life became tabloid fodder—fuelled by homophobia in some corners of the press.
He briefly attempted a comeback. This included a stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006. He finished runner-up there. However, the shadow of the Lubbock case never left him.
Where Things Stand Now: Still No Justice
- In 2020, a Channel 4 documentary titled “Barrymore: The Body in the Pool” reignited public interest. It delved into inconsistencies and raised questions about police actions and witness silence.
- In 2021, a man was re-arrested on suspicion of Lubbock’s murder, but again, no charges followed.
- Barrymore has remained largely out of the limelight. He occasionally gives interviews to protest his innocence. He also expresses sorrow for Lubbock’s family.
Stuart Lubbock’s father, Terry Lubbock, campaigned tirelessly for answers until his death in 2021. His last words to the press were simply: “I want to know who killed my son.”
Legacy and Lingering Questions
The tragedy at Roydon remains one of Britain’s most controversial celebrity-linked deaths. It is tainted by allegations of cover-ups and institutional failure. There is also the silence of those who were there that night.
Michael Barrymore’s fall from grace is a stark reminder of how quickly fame can unravel. Unresolved trauma continues to echo through the lives of victims’ families, no matter how many years pass.