The 50-year-old former Strike It Lucky host was dropped by ITV in September last year.

There has been intense media coverage since 31-year-old butcher Stuart Lubbock was found dead in his swimming pool in March 2001.

Mr Lubbock's death is still a mystery

Speaking to Sky News on Saturday as he set up a branch of Alcoholics Anonymous in his local village hall, Barrymore was adamant he had done nothing wrong and should be allowed to revive his career.

He said: "Why shouldn't I? I've never been charged with anything. I haven't done anything."

The former alcoholic has already been attending AA meetings for the last 20 months, and is now helping 30 others in Roydon, near Harlow, Essex.

He said: "We are all on an equal basis in there. The anonymity side doesn't really apply to me here because I'm not anonymous.

"I don't do this for a PR exercise.

"People come here off their own bat, it's not something I seek to advertise and I happen to be a member of it."

Victim's injuries

Police announced last month they were launching a new investigation into the death of Stuart Lubbock, who was found dead in the star's swimming pool.

An inquest heard that Mr Lubbock, 31, suffered injuries suggesting he may have been the victim of a sexual assault.

Now officers will look into suggestions by Barrymore's lawyer that Mr Lubbock suffered the injuries at hospital after his death rather than at the star's home.

Barrymore hopes the fresh inquiry will clear his name and pave the way for a comeback.