Barrymore talking about career crash

Dumped TV host Michael Barrymore was talking about his fall from grace and the prospects of revitalising his on-screen career at a major broadcasting event today.

The star – dropped by ITV last year – was speaking about his experiences to an audience of TV executives at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival.

Barrymore was sharing a stage with former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon, who has successfully revived his career after allegations of drug use ended his run on children’s TV. He has since bounced back as a radio presenter and a host of BBC1’s Top of the Pops.

Both he and Barrymore are taking part in a debate on whether TV stars’ private lives should affect their screen careers.

Barrymore’s career was on hold during an investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock whose body was found in the presenter’s swimming pool.

But after the inquest, programme bosses felt the entertainer’s career had been overshadowed by his off screen activities.

He has subsequently given up drink and drugs but has still not found his way back to TV.

But he has announced plans to return to the showbiz world in the UK with a stint in London’s West End, after theatre performances down under, but he has so far not won a new TV deal.