Michael Barrymore has labelled Channel 4’s recent documentary Barrymore: The Body In The Pool “vile and vicious” during an emotional interview on Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain.
The former TV presenter described the “pain and agony” he has gone through in the 20 years since the body of Stuart Lubbock was found in the swimming pool at his then-home in Roydon, Essex.
The 67-year-old added that he wants another investigation by a new police force into the 31-year-old’s death on 31 March 2001.
The entertainer said of the other people at his house on the night Mr Lubbock died: “I’ve never seen them since that day … I haven’t got a number [for them], nothing. I don’t know any of them.
“The wall of silence is because they don’t know [what happened]. I do believe that.”
Asked if he had anything fresh to offer the police, he said: “I honestly wish I did. I haven’t got another [story]. I’ve only got the one story.”
The former Strike It Lucky host, who pulled out of this year’s Dancing On Ice after he was injured during training, said: “I’ve got nothing to hide. I’ve never had anything to hide.
“I’ve got every right to go out and to be employed and work in the business I’ve worked in without …being kicked in the teeth just because I’m back on the telly.”
He said Stuart Lubbock’s father Terry’s torment “comes before me and everybody” but added: “I can’t live my life. I can’t get on with my life.”
He added that he had been a victim of “innuendo”, saying: “Why would I hide or keep anything and put myself through this pain and agony every time that this comes up?”
He continued: “The only reason I got through the last 19, 20 years is the massive support from fans and my close mates… They know I’m not a wrong ’un.
“How many times am I supposed to be kicked? How many times am I supposed to take it?” before adding: “I’m not looking for sympathy.”
He then accused Essex Police of being “hell-bent on ‘This is how it is…’”
His solicitor, who was also on the show, said: “Two years before the [Channel 4] documentary started, they approached Michael and said they want it to be ‘a celebration of your life’ and ‘Can you come and meet us?’” and that he would receive a fee.”
Michael said he did not want to be involved and then the documentary was made, the solicitor said.
In a statement to HuffPost UK, Channel 4 said: “The documentary was balanced and explored Mr Barrymore and the Lubbock family’s treatment by the press.
“In accordance with the Ofcom Broadcasting code, Mr Barrymore was given a fair opportunity to respond to significant allegations and his position was fairly reflected in the documentary.
“Channel 4 looked at an earlier proposal for a documentary with Mr Barrymore’s participation, however after further research the programme was not commissioned.
“In 2018, Channel 4 commissioned an independent documentary based on the Leveson court case and in conjunction with the Lubbock family to re-examine what happened the night of Stuart’s death.”
Following today’s Good Morning Britain, Terry Lubbock said he was surprised by what was said during the interview.
“The evidence is clear, there is no doubt, my son was murdered,” Terry Lubbock told the PA news agency.
“Barrymore doesn’t seem to be accepting that fact. That surprised me.
“But I’m glad he’s done the interview. I want my son’s murder to stay in the public eye.
“This interview will help to do that. Someone who was in that house knows what happened.
“I beg them. Come forward, talk to the police. Tell the truth. Get this off your conscience.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.