Entertainer Michael Barrymore is confirmed to be participating in the latest Celebrity Big Brother in his native Britain, despite being "terrified" about returning to England. Barrymore and his partner fled England in 2003 after scandals over his decision to come out, and later a man found dead in the entertainer's swimming pool. Injuries on the dead man suggested he may have been victim of a serious sexual assault. The pair emigrated to New Zealand, where they now are residents. 53-year-old Barrymore has agreed to participate in the television reality programme on the condition that security be extremely tight, and that he will fly in to the country at the last minute before entering the house, then take the first flight home to New Zealand after he is voted out. Sources say the entertainer accepted the project and the $NZ384,000 fee because he needs the money. A major celebrity back in Britain, the fallen star has had a low profile in New Zealand. He recently appeared on stage in the musical Chicago.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 4th January 2006 - 12:00pm