Barrymore to launch TV comeback

Celebrity Big Brother kicks off tonight with Michael Barrymore poised to make his TV comeback.

The shamed star – whose career collapsed after partygoer Stuart Lubbock was found dead in his pool in 2001 – is expected to be part of the line-up.

Barrymore will be the most controversial contestant in the history of the Channel 4 show.

The former Strike It Lucky host, now based in New Zealand, is said to be picking up £150,000 (€217,800) for his appearance.

The 10 celebrities taking part in the show will enter the house tonight in a live show hosted by Davina McCall.

Other stars predicted to join the line-up include comic Johnny Vegas, former Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith, Dead Or Alive frontman Pete Burns, actress and presenter Liza Tarbuck, US basketball star Dennis Rodman and ex-FA secretary Faria Alam.

Funnyman Vegas is already the bookies’ favourite to win.

Big Brother bosses have promised “lots of twists and surprises” in the three-week show.

“Just because the housemates are celebrities doesn’t mean that Big Brother isn’t in charge or afraid to call the shots,” said executive producer Sharon Powers.