Don't mention drowning

Warning: Michael Barrymore
The Weekender

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Disgraced comic Michael Barrymore has reportedly been told that he faces arrest if he talks during his time on Celebrity Big Brother about the death at his home of Stuart Lubbock.

The TV personality, who is set to be confirmed as one of the contestants on the reality show, which begins tomorrow, has been issued a warning from lawyers and police.

The gay comedian is said to have signed a £150,000 contract with Channel 4 to appear on the show in the hope of reviving his career.

Barrymore, 53, flew to London last night from New Zealand, where he has lived since the death of Mr Lubbock, 31, at his Essex home in 2001.

The former host of Strike It Lucky has never spoken publicly about the events leading up to the death of the father-of-two, who was found with " horrific" sexual injuries after drowning in Barrymore's swimming pool. A show insider is quoted in The Sun saying: "Michael will be aware he could risk being arrested if he says anything incriminating. People have told him to keep his mouth zipped."

Channel 4 said: "We have to be very vigilant about everything the celebs say in the Big Brother house and will bleep out anything too personal or that involves gossip. We have strict compliance rules."

Eight contestants will battle it out for the title of most popular celebrity, won by Happy Mondays star Bez last year.

Other contestants rumoured to be in this year's line up include former glamour model Anna Nicole Smith, 38, basketball star Dennis Rodman, 44, former FA secretary Faria Alam, 39, and comedian Johnny Vegas, 34.

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