Michael Barrymore, 73, reveals shock health diagnosis that led to mini strokes as he reaches out to fans for support in heartbreaking post

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Michael Barrymore recently shared with the public that he’s been given a surprising health diagnosis, which has resulted in him experiencing mini-strokes. In an emotional TikTok video posted on Thursday, he reached out to his followers for support during this challenging time.

In simpler terms, the well-known comedian, aged 73, had been a leading figure in British entertainment for many years. However, his lengthy career came to an end following the tragic death of Stuart Lubbock at a party held at his house in Essex in 2001.

2003 saw the star leaving his position at ITV not long after, with him mostly absent from public view until his appearance in Celebrity Big Brother in January 2006, where he achieved a runner-up spot.

Five years later, he was again embroiled in a scandal when it was revealed that he had been caught with cocaine in his possession. This incident occurred after police stopped his vehicle. Initially, a charge of public intoxication was brought against him, but it was eventually dropped during court proceedings.

Even though there have been some issues, Michael has unexpectedly emerged as a role model for Generation Z. Now, he is widely admired on TikTok and YouTube as a popular content creator.

However, a new video shared on the internet shows that the celebrity disclosed his diagnosis of epilepsy, triggered by a minor stroke.

Sharing a series of photos of him in a hospital, he penned: ‘I developed epilepsy at 73…

‘A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures.

In simpler terms, I experience cluster seizures, which is a condition that affects about a fourth of epileptic individuals. This implies that instead of having just one seizure, I typically encounter multiple seizures, often up to three in a brief span of time.

The situation is concerning due to a significant risk (approximately 40%) of developing epilepticus, a condition that can lead to brain damage or even death if immediate medical care isn’t provided.

This year, I’ve experienced multiple episodes, and I keep emergency medication handy in case one occurs at home. Although it doesn’t significantly impact my daily life, I find myself wanting to connect with others who are going through similar experiences here.

DailyMail has contacted Michael’s representative for comment. 

Following the disclosure that Michael might make an estimated £250,000 annually, his surprising return as a popular social media personality became even more noteworthy.

PR specialist Lynn Carratt believes she might earn over a quarter of a million pounds annually, largely due to her videos and partnership with Sports Direct. A single collaboration with them could potentially bring in £1,500.

One of Michael’s friends shared with The Sun: “Michael is enjoying himself immensely. He thrives on entertaining others, and although he might not receive television job opportunities as before, he now has the freedom to generate his own content according to his preferences.

Initially, it was just a pastime he pursued online, but over time, it evolved into a means for him to reconnect with his audience, express his humor, and return to doing what brings him joy without the constant stress and judgment that comes from being on national television every week.

In 2001, the unfortunate incident occurred where Stuart Lubbock died under mysterious circumstances after attending a party hosted by Barrymore at his residence. That night, the 31-year-old father of two happened to meet Barrymore in a club, and later joined him along with eight others at his home.

He didn’t respond when discovered in the swimming pool, and subsequently passed away in the hospital. An autopsy revealed extensive internal traumas, indicating a possible sexual attack. The authorities still suspect that he was both sexually violated and killed.

Regardless of numerous investigations over the years, no one has been prosecuted, leaving his family still unaware of the circumstances surrounding the event.

Michael has always denied any knowledge of what happened.

In the year 2021, Stuart’s persistent advocate for fairness, Terry – often a bother to Michael – lost his life due to cancer.

Regardless of whether Barrymore, who left before law enforcement arrived, had any part in it, Terry felt strongly that more could have been done to find answers and bring peace to the family, as this was his final desire.

For a considerable period, there was a widespread belief that Barrymore’s professional journey met a similar fate as Stuart Lubbock. His association with ITV ended due to the deterioration of his reputation, which had been marked by longstanding struggles with drugs and alcohol, predating the infamous pool incident.

I made several efforts to reclaim the spotlight, among them was participating in Big Brother in 2006 and Dancing On Ice as well.

2022 marked the humble initiation of his TikTok presence, as he began sharing videos reminiscent of his past on television, such as excerpts from Kids Say The Funniest Things. Since then, his content has adapted and grown, making him highly contemporary.

His fans see him as not just Uncle Michael (or even Grandpa Michael), but as one of their own.

Michael has amassed a whopping 3.8million followers and a gargantuan 261 million likes on TikTok. 

It’s clear that even Sabrina Carpenter is a fan – she shared one of his videos, resulting in him expressing his excitement: “Wow, I just found out Sabrina Carpenter is aware of me! I’m currently experiencing an intense fangirl moment!

Instead of daily videos showcasing what he eats, his wardrobe, short blog entries, and unboxing sessions known as Labubu unboxings, we could say that his followers are given access to videos every day featuring him discussing his meals, clothing choices, personal vlogs, and opening various items labeled under the name Labubu.

As an utterly dedicated TikTok enthusiast, I can tell you that creating and sharing wholesome content feels more like a 24/7 commitment rather than just another pastime. The love and support from my followers make every moment worthwhile!

There had been whispers that he had a new companion, as pictures emerged of him with an attractive younger gentleman in Barcelona; however, his fresh start in Spain didn’t prove successful.

Last year, Michael shared that he intended to leave Britain and settle in Spain. However, merely six weeks into his new life, he found himself nearly tearful in his car, expressing feelings of longing for home.

Fans flocked to put a metaphorical arm around him, posting that he should just ‘come home’. 

One graciously provided him with an extra bedroom, a gesture typically extended to someone unexpectedly left without a home, although given that the vehicle he was riding in was a luxury Porsche Macan worth approximately £75,000, this generosity might have been unnecessary.

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2025-08-16 00:35