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
Cheryl Barrymore the National Television Awards, where, clearly drunk, he made a rambling, incoherent speech. At an after-show party on a live late night radio show, he publicly declared he was gay and "no longer wanted to live a lie", following which he and Cheryl split up. She later claimed that Michael took the step and didn't tell her because of his talks with Princess Diana. After several aborted reunions, they divorced in 1997 and Cheryl went on to publish the autobiography "Catch a Falling Star", which contained details of their acrimonious split. The couple became estranged, and she ceased acting on