BBC give in to pressure on Barrymore book

The BBC today gave in to growing pressure and halted controversial plans to publish the memoirs of disgraced star Michael Barrymore.

The corporation confirmed it had “postponed indefinitely” the publication of the autobiography, which was to contain details of the case of Stuart Lubbock, who died in the TV star’s swimming pool.

The decision not to publish the book was taken this morning by Rupert Gavin, chief executive of BBC Worldwide, which commissioned the book, after talks with BBC Director General Greg Dyke, a spokeswoman said.