Barrymore is back - in a new role

Troubled Michael Barrymore has made the return to television which many said was impossible.

Barrymore's career was in doubt after a man was found dead in the swimming pool at his Essex home in March last year. Stuart Lubbock, 31, a father of two, was found floating in the outdoor pool. After a police investigation, the star was cleared of any criminal involvement but cautioned for possessing cannabis. An October interview with Martin Bashir was a first step to rehabilitating his career.

But as Barrymore rolled out a new edition of My Kind Of Music last night, the question was: Would it be worth watching? Here the experts give their verdicts.

Terry Ramsey, TV editor, Evening Standard: "You would expect him to be able to leave his demons at the door: to throw off the mantle of Barrymore the Worried to become Barrymore the Clown.

"But in last night's show he was trying far too hard. His humour is always hyper, but this was hyper-hyper - grinning, pulling faces and noticeably sweating. He looked like a man who was paranoid the audience would no longer find him funny. It was hard not to think we were watching a new, desperate, approvalseeking version: Barrymore the Worried Clown."

Eliot Sandiford, lifestyle PR executive: "My Kind Of Music was the same as it's always been.

"But I think it's disgusting that he's back on TV. He's a public figure and in the same way that a politician wouldn't be allowed to go back into politics in a similar situation, I don't think he should be allowed back on TV. He seems to think the world owes him because he's come out and he's had problems with drink and drugs. It is clear he's a publicity seeker but he can't have it both ways."

Bill Overton, DJ, BBC London Live: "People seem to prefer their celebrities riddled with problems and ITV are not missing a trick. The special guests were SClub7, no strangers themselves to a little tabloid trouble.

"The Martin Bashir interview exposed Michael's failure to know where to draw the line between exploiting his own misfortune for publicity and somebody else's (namely Stuart Lubbock).

"What I don't understand is why Barrymore, after the career high of 'Bob Martin', wants to be seen again presenting this kind of shameless tat."

Bruce Dessau, comedy reviewer, Evening Standard: "From the moment he appeared, Michael Barrymore was relentlessly upbeat. He looks a little plumper but the cheeky banter was still present. He's always been a quirky performer and was at his best dealing with his audience, putting them firmly in their place.

"There were a few flashes of brilliance as he hopped around or lay on the floor hoping for a massage. But as the show wore on, the enthusiasm began to wear thin. The sweat on his brow became more noticeable, a reminder that Barrymore's career is riding on this series.

"His core fans may never desert him but his work is always going to be overshadowed by his personal life. He is not helped by a corny format that's way past its sell-by date."