Stuart Lubbock, 31, of Harlow, Essex, was declared dead shortly after being found in his underwear in the pool at Barrymore's home in nearby Roydon on 31 March last year.

Post-mortem tests indicated he had drowned, and had also suffered sexual injuries.

Mr Barrymore is expected to appear at the inquest as a witness.

Essex Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said at a pre-inquest hearing in July: "I'm very conscious that this inquest is the investigation into a death and not into various people's social and sexual activities.

"However, where necessary, such matters will be touched upon, and it will be a matter for me to constantly consider the parameters of the inquiry."

No charges

Mr Lubbock had spent the evening of his death at a nightclub in Harlow and had returned to Barrymore's home in a taxi with the star and a number of other men.

Stuart Lubbock: Drowned in star's pool

After he was found in the pool he was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, but resuscitation procedures failed to revive him.

In the weeks following Mr Lubbock's death, Mr Barrymore, 50, was arrested on suspicion of possession and supply of Class B drugs, possession of a Class A drug and allowing premises to be used for taking Class B drugs.

John Kenney, of Blackpool, Lancashire, and Justin Merritt, of Harlow, were arrested in connection with Mr Lubbock's death but later released.

The Crown Prosecution Service said there were no grounds for criminal charges relating to Mr Lubbock's death, and in March this year Essex Police said no further action would be taken.

Mr Barrymore was subsequently cautioned for possession of cannabis and allowing his premises to be used for the smoking of the drug.

The venue of the inquest has not yet been confirmed.