I just got a press release about this through from Channel Four:
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Michael Barrymore talks about TV comeback on The Salon
Entertainer Michael Barrymore talked about a possible television comeback when visiting Channel 4’s The Salon today.
“There’s a great new format that’s come along,” he revealed. He expanded further on future projects saying, “I’ve been asked to do a drama,” but added that he hasn’t yet decided if he will go ahead with it. “I suppose it’s a matter of deciding what’s right for you,” he continued. Talking about his career, Michael also discussed that he was due to tour Australia and New Zealand later this year. Michael explained that TV isn’t all he has in his life and explained he has many other interests, “I write a lot and keep myself together,” he explained.
Michael Barrymore arrived at The Salon, Channel 4’s new series set in a genuine hair and beauty salon in London, at approximately 12.45pm today and his entire visit was broadcast on E4. Channel 4 viewers will be able to see Michael’s visit on Friday 31st January at 6pm.
Michael was greeted by manager Paul with his famous catchphrase “Alwight!” “I haven’t heard that for a bit,” Michael replied laughing.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been in a seat where you can’t see a camera,” Michael commented as junior Vassos led him to get his hair washed.
“I think you’re a legend,” hairdresser Adee told Michael as he began to trim his hair. The two men were soon talking candidly and on the topic of stardom, Michael spoke honestly to Adee about his life in the spotlight, “the public at the end of the day have been really good. You can’t spend half your time wanting to be recognised and half saying ‘go away. You’ve two choices in this business,” Michael continued, “You can stay indoors and become a recluse. If you go outside, do it with good grace.”
The conversation soon turned to Michael’s battle with alcoholism, “I’ve been clean and sober for 20 months now, I talk about it now,” he said “people don’t realise that it’s a disease.” Michael also revealed to Adee that he regularly attends AA meetings “it’s called anonymous but it isn’t for me, but I don’t mind, I can talk about it.”
As the two men chatted further Michael added, “There isn’t a problem that can’t be sorted out.”
Whilst in the salon Michael laughed and joked with the staff and clients telling of how he used to be a hairdresser’s junior because he thought it would be an opportunity to meet famous people. This led Adee to ask why Michael had made an appointment at The Salon, “Because you asked me and I wasn’t doing anything else,” he replied, “it’s a bit of fun you know.”
After Adee had finished cutting his hair, Michael was led to the beauty treatment area to have his size 11 feet pampered by therapist Sabrina. Whilst Sabrina filed his toenails, Adee joined the two of them to continue his conversation with Michael. Adee told Michael that he was far quieter than he had expected. “I’m not performing now, I’m not auditioning,” Michael smiled, “it’d drive you mad if I started performing and running around.”
Michael also chatted to junior Olly, who has been seen on screen discussing his sexuality and was in danger of losing his job last week. “Have you got through your crisis?” Michael asked him, “I turned it around,” Olly replied, “how about you? Is life treating you well?” “Yes I’m getting there,” Michael said.
On leaving The Salon Michael thanked the staff for his treatments and tipped Sabrina, Vassos and Adee.
Catch up with the highlights from Michael’s visit to The Salon on Friday 31st Jan at 6pm on Channel 4 and catch tomorrow’s action live on E4 from 10am to 7pm.
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