Barrymore back on screen - for a restricted audience

Former British television star Michael Barrymore will make his first UK screen appearance for three years -- in court.

A video link will allow the 53-year-old to give evidence from his Auckland home against Lee O'Brien, who faces trial in two weeks' time for false allegations of sexual assault, the Daily Mirror in London reports.

O'Brien, of Liverpool, allegedly told newspapers he was molested at Barrymore's Essex home in October 2002.

Barrymore left to start a new life in New Zealand after Stuart Lubbock, 31, was found dead in the pool of his Essex mansion.

Lubbock's injuries suggested he might have been the victim of a serious sexual assault. An inquest recorded an open verdict.

Barrymore told the newspaper some New Zealanders don't know who he is: "Some think my name is Barry Moore, which is why I get 'Hello, Barry'."

- NZPA