Barrymore's 'husband' returns home from NZ

LONDON - Shaun Davis, estranged "husband" of comedian Michael Barrymore, flew back to England from New Zealand yesterday as the gay TV star faced a police investigation.

Mr Davis, an English stockbroker aged 26, "married" Mr Barrymore in a ceremony in Hawaii 18 months ago.

He left him in March - 10 days before the body of 31-year-old Stuart Lubbock was found in a swimming pool at the entertainer's luxury £1.5 million ($4.99 million) Essex home.

Barrymore, aged 49, was arrested on suspicion of drugs charges as police probed Mr Lubbock's death. Barrymore's boyfriend, John Kenney, 31, and Justin Merritt, 26, were arrested on suspicion of murder. All three were later released on bail.

Mr Davis, who had reportedly been in New Zealand for the past few weeks, did not answer suggestions he planned to have an HIV test after confirmation that Mr Kenney was HIV positive.

Asked if he and Barrymore might renew their relationship, he said: "No."

Barrymore is in an Arizona clinic and his solicitor says the comedian's HIV test was negative.

Friends have said Barrymore went off the rails after Mr Davis walked out on him in March, unable to put up with his behaviour any more.

"When he went, everything spiralled completely out of control," said one.

- NZPA