Michael Barrymore has been back in public eye for months – and nobody had a clue

Michael Barrymore has been back in the public eye for months – and his comeback has been a secret success.

The TV presenter, 71, is directing the new West End show Laurel and Chaplin, which tells the true story of Stan Lauren and Charlie Chaplin.

The production gives spectators an insight into the breakdown of the pair’s friendship and has been applauded by theatregoers.

READ MORE: ‘Happier than ever’ Michael Barrymore, 71, eyes huge comeback after binning booze

But he’s also found huge success on social media, with his TikTok having a whopping 1.7million followers.

He has been sharing original content, such as skits, but also sharing throwback clips from his past television show Kids Say The Funniest Things.

And it was on TikTok that he shared that he received a standing ovation recently for his work on the West End show.

In the caption for the clip, he wrote: “I dreamt about last night some time ago… The talent that I have worked with on this project have all been out of this world.

“See them now before they all become huge stars.”

Michael started working on his West End project earlier in July, showing his followers his return to the stage.

At the time, he said he was “so happy” to be working on the show, and his followers were quick to throw support behind him.

One person said: “Legends always return to the ring. Good luck mate.”

Another said: “Ahh I really admire the way you are taking life by the horns and doing it your way. Life goals.”

And a third added: “Fantastic Michael you belong on that stage!”

Michael revealed his career is back on track following the house party scandal in 2001, which ended his career after partygoer Stuart Lubbock’s pool death at his home.

He told the Daily Star: “I went through a period where I wasn’t sure if people would point at me. I dealt with it by realising there is always somebody worse off.

“I had a mate who had a seven-year-old son with cancer. I said, ‘Would you take everything I’m dealing with for him to be well?’ And it was a no-brainer.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am now. I’m the busiest I’ve ever been and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”

The TV star revealed he feels healthier than he did when he was in his 40s and credited it to ditching booze.

Michael said he has received support from dozens of fans.

“Whenever people speak to me, they ask when I’ll be back on TV,” he said.

“And online I get messages from people who are genuinely lovely. I was in people’s front rooms on the TV for years so they feel like they know me.”

He added: “I love what I do and despite all the sh**ty bits that have happened in my life, I still have never lost the desire and passion for what I do.

“I’ve never directed before. I didn’t know if I’d be any good at it, but I’ve found I’m a good director.

“It gives me as much of an adrenaline buzz as being up there.”

His first project has been masterminding new West End show Laurel & Chaplin — The Feud, which runs at London’s Cambridge Theatre until August 28.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk