Cheryl Barrymore He was voted the UK's favourite TV star several times, and became one of the highest-paid stars on TV. Cheryl later revealed that Michael had problems with alcohol, drugs, gambling and depression. As a result of her husband's physical assault on her at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, California, she was placed by British police on the "at risk" register. At the height of his popularity, Michael Barrymore suffered increasing alcohol problems. He claimed that he had wanted to seek help, but that his wife told him: "No, you’re not (alcoholic). Don’t be stupid." In November 1995, Michael attended
Wife Swap (U.S. TV series) network for trading his wife for a gay man. He accused ABC of being dishonest, not allowing him contact with his wife, and making him miss his lessons at college. He claims that, when he ceased participating with the production of the episode, ABC threatened that it would not tell him his wife's whereabouts and would not pay for his wife's return home. He is suing for over $10 million, although a spokesman revealed that the contract stated the spouse could be of either gender. In 2007, the UK version began a search for more gay or lesbian swaps. In