Michael Barrymore's savage TikTok about career downfall garners almost 2m likes

26 July 2023 , 12:12

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Michael Barrymore has poked fun at his downfall from fame in a TikTok video, which has raked up almost 2 million likes.

In recent months, the fallen TV presenter, 71, has been amassing thousands of views and followers on TikTok, where he often recreates viral videos and shares glimpses into his own life as well as previous career highlights.

The former ITV presenter was once upon a time, the king of entertainment, pulling in millions with his Saturday night shows. But one fateful night in 2001 saw everything he had worked for crumble in a matter of hours when an after party at his Essex mansion went horribly wrong.

A young man, named Stuart Lubbock, was tragically found dead in the swimming pool of Michael's £2million home in Roydon, Essex and after the tragedy, Michael removed himself from the spotlight and shortly afterwards, he was dropped by ITV.

Three years after his ITV axe, Michael made a return to TV when he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, in which he finished in second place.

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Michael Barrymore's savage TikTok about career downfall garners almost 2m likes

The fallen presenter has poked fun at the way in which his stellar career came to an abrupt end in 2001 (@themichaelbarrymore/Instagram)

Michael's savage video has amassed 2 million views (@themichaelbarrymore/Instagram)

Now, almost twenty years on from Stuart's tragic death at Michael's home, the fallen presenter has poked fun at the way in which his stellar career came to an abrupt end in 2001 in a video on his TikTok profile.

In one video, which has since gone viral, Michael joked about his fall from grace in the showbiz world as he jumped on a viral trend, which originated from none other than Peppa Pig.

The viral sound hears the Peppa Pig narrator say: "Ms Rabbit has fainted. Miss Rabbit has fainted again."

TikTok users have been filming themselves fainting, and Michael jumped on the bandwagon as he filmed himself fainting and penned on top of the clip: "When you check your bank balance after being out of work for 20 years."

Michael was one of the biggest names in light entertainment during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, thanks to fronting and presenting some of Britain's most popular TV and game shows. The 71-year-old hosted shows including Strike It Lucky, My Kind of People, My Kind of Music, Kids Say the Funniest Things, and his own variety show, Barrymore.

Michael was one of the biggest names in light entertainment during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s (Fremantle Media/REX/Shutterstock)

The presenter had a fall from grace after a tragedy at his home (@themichaelbarrymore/TikTok)

The former comedian even headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993 and was frequently voted the UK's favourite television star throughout the peak of his popularity.

However, after Stuart's tragic death, the UK public have been divided in opinion about the presenter.

Barrymore, 69, was arrested in 2007 and questioned in connection with the death. He was released without charge and denies involvement in Stuart’s death.

Alongside his newfound TikTok hobby, Michael is working as a theatre director – recently receiving a standing ovation for directing new West End show Laurel and Chaplin. The production tells the "true story of teenage best friends" Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin whose relationship broke down when silent movie star Chaplin found fame in Hollywood.

Discussing his new career venture, Michael told Daily Star: "despite all the sh**ty bits that have happened in my life, I still have never lost the desire and passion for what I do" – adding how he has discovered he is "a good director".