Troubled TV presenter Michael Barrymore came out as gay 15 years ago, but is now claiming that he is straight again…..and dating a female blonde bombshell!

The former Strike It Lucky host hit the headlines after in 2001 after 31-year-old meat inspector Stuart Lubbock was found dead in his swimming pool. After the tragedy, Barrymore was cautioned by police for cannabis use, but faced no other charges. In 2006 the star went on to finish in second place on Channel 4′s Celebrity Big Brother.

He often talked about being gay during his time on Big Brother, yet earlier this week the 58 year old was spotted smooching with a mystery blonde in Cannes and talking during a recent episode of Channel 4′s Come Dine With Me Barrymore told former Generation Game host Anthea Redfern : “I’m having a going back in party soon. Would you like to come?”

When Anthea asked, “What’s that?” he replied: “Well, I came out didn’t I – but I’m going back in.”

He went on to admit that he had met a ‘nice blonde girl’ but refused to reveal her identity saying:

“She’s a very good friend, but I can’t say because of the situation. I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

Barrymore’s appearance on Come Dine With Me will air at 9pm on Monday on C4.