CELEBRITY Big Brother is making a controversial return after a year’s break — by hiring shamed comic Michael Barrymore. The fallen funnyman will join low-rent spin-off show Big Brother’s Little Brother as a roving reporter when the series starts next month. Barrymore — disgraced after a partygoer died in his swimming pool — came second to “fake” celebrity Chantelle Houghton in 2006. George Lamb will be back to host the E4 show while comedian Jack Whitehall will preside over the debate on Celebrity Big Brother’s Big Mouth with a studio audience for the three-week run. Channel 4 are keeping this year’s celeb line-up close to their chest. But George said Jeremy Kyle would be his dream pick for the house. And Jack added: “Kerry Katona would be good. Jeremy Clarkson, I’d like to see him in there. And maybe Gordon Ramsay.” Davina McCall returns to host the live launch night and evictions. She said: “It’s good to be back. Can’t wait. “It’s going to be amazing!” A race row involving Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and Jade Goody marred the last series in 2007. There were 45,000 complaints from viewers. This year’s show kicks off on January 2, 9pm on Channel 4.

Michael Barrymore's new job as Celebrity Big Brother's 'roving reporter' has sparked a storm of protest from the family of the man found dead in his swimming pool.

The father of Stuart Lubbock has blasted Channel 4 chiefs for employing the comedian on the show's Little Brother version.

Barrymore starts his new job on January 2 where he will link up with E4 presenter George Lamb.

"As one who knows what its like to live in the Big Brother House, Michael will be able to offer his thoughts on how his fellow celebs are fairing as well as becoming BBLBs very own celeb task tester and on the street reporter," Channel 4 said.

But news of his TV return has angered and shocked Terry Lubbock, whose 31-year-old son Stuart died during a party at Barrymore's then home in Roydon, Essex, in March 2001.

Terry, 65, only recently suffered the setback of hearing there would not be a second inquest opened into Stuart's death, despite a new Essex Police investigation finding evidence he might have been unlawfully killed.

And now he has been hit by this fresh blow.

Speaking from his home in Harlow, Essex, Terry said: "I'm absolutely disgusted, sickened and appalled. It was bad enough when Channel 4 brought Barrymore back from exile in New Zealand in 2006 to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

"That really upset me - I didn't feel he deserved to be paid to be on TV.

"Now they are bringing more misery to me by giving him a job as a TV reporter. I just want this man to go away and leave my family in peace.

"Why should he be allowed to get on with his life and career while I've still got to struggle with knowing that no one has been brought to justice for my son's death?"

Barrymore was in Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 when he came runner-up to then unknown Essex girl Chantelle Houghton.

Essex Police had re-opened the investigation into Stuart's death and the chief investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Gareth Wilson, said he believed father-of-two Stuart had been the victim of a serious assault before his body was found in the pool at Barrymore's house.

At the inquest in 2002 a coroner recorded an open verdict after four pathologists gave conflicting accounts over how Stuart died.

Barrymore, 56, controversially attended the inquest but declined to respond to any questions about the case.


Original article here

Originally posted by Spike I think getting Barrymore on the presenting team is just to cause a few headlines in the run up to the show I would like to see him more in the studio though working along side George

Originally posted by Mrluvaluva If Kerry Katona goes in I'm not watching.

Originally posted by Mrluvaluva If Kerry Katona goes in I'm not watching.

Originally posted by Spike I would be tempted to switch off but she would be pure entertainment. I would like her to go even more mad in there.

Originally posted by TheMichaelO I don't really understand what he'll be doing :conf: