Michael Barrymore has this week returned to New Zealand after failing to make a comeback on UK TV.

Barrymore took part in last years Celebrity Big Brother shw with the hopes that it would be his first step on the ladder of a UK comeback. He had grand plans for new shows, but none actually materialised.

A showbiz insider said: “After Barrymore came second on Celebrity Big Brother he thought there was a real chance of getting things moving again, but as soon as police announced they were reinvestigating the death he knew he was facing an impossible challenge.

“I’m not surprised he’s gone back to New Zealand – and I wouldn’t be surprised if he never comes to the UK.”