Cheryl Barrymore dies of lung cancer

Cheryl Barrymore, the former wife of troubled entertainer Michael, died of lung cancer today.

The 56-year-old was diagnosed six weeks ago but kept her condition secret from all but close family and friends.

She died this afternoon at St John and St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, north London, her friend and publicist Max Clifford said.

Cheryl and Michael were married for 22 years and divorced in 1997. She acted as his manager and was credited with guiding him to stardom.

Michael now lives in New Zealand and the two have had no contact since their acrimonious split.

Clifford said: “Cheryl was diagnosed with lung cancer only six weeks ago. She elected to go home rather than have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“The doctors told her that treatment might have given her a bit more time but she didn’t want all that. She wanted to make the most of what time she had left.

“She slipped into a coma yesterday and died with her sister Carol by her side. This has happened so quickly and we are all devastated.”

He added: “She was a lovely lady, so bright and bubbly. She was getting over Michael when she found out she was ill.

“I suppose she will be best remembered as playing an important part in building the career of a man who was one of the biggest stars in British television.”