It was supposed to be the fresh start that would mark the end of a turbulent past. But Michael Barrymore’s dream of reinventing himself in Spain has turned into a nightmare, and the former TV star has made a shocking U-turn.
In an unexpected twist, Barrymore, 73, has abandoned his plans to live in sunny Barcelona and has instead bought a modest £350,000 bungalow in Devon – a far cry from the glamorous life he once lived. And the real reason behind this drastic decision is something no one saw coming.
“I’m a Mess!”
In a raw, emotional video shared with his 3.5 million TikTok followers, Barrymore admitted that the move to Spain had been a huge mistake. “I’m a mess. I’ve never felt homesick like this before. I can’t stand it, I just feel so lost,” he confessed, his voice filled with frustration and sadness. His words struck a chord with his fans, revealing the emotional turmoil that led him to give up on his Spanish dream.
The £350k Bungalow in Devon
Now, Barrymore has traded the warm Spanish beaches for the charming market town of Devon. His new home – a quaint, two-bedroom bungalow priced at £350,000 – represents a dramatic shift from the life he had planned. It’s a space far from the glitz of Barcelona and the chaos of his past, offering a chance for a quieter, more peaceful existence.
The bungalow, nestled in a picturesque location near some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, is a perfect place to reflect, heal, and start anew. “It’s been traumatic,” Barrymore admitted, referring to the intense emotional struggle he faced while making this life-changing decision.
From Fame to TikTok
Once one of the UK’s highest-paid TV personalities, Barrymore was earning millions a year from his hit shows. However, his career came to a tragic halt in 2001, when the death of Stuart Lubbock, found in Barrymore’s swimming pool, brought years of scandal and public scrutiny.
Since then, Barrymore has slowly begun to rebuild his life, reinventing himself as a TikTok star. In his videos, he’s shared glimpses of his new life in Devon, showing off his beach walks with his beloved whippet, Lara, and selfies with his new neighbors. He’s clearly trying to find joy in the simple things, and his fans have responded with an outpouring of support.
A Bizarre Twist in Spain
But the decision to leave Spain didn’t come without drama. Barrymore’s move was tainted by controversy when Spanish activists dragged him into anti-tourism protests. What was meant to be a fresh start became a nightmare as Barrymore found himself caught in a whirlwind of negative emotions.
His three-day journey back to the UK was filled with doubt and regret, with Barrymore admitting that he felt as though he had “let so many people down.” He was visibly shaken, admitting that it felt like a failure, and he was battling a deep sense of insecurity.
“I just couldn’t do it,” he said in his tearful video. “I’ve been doing it for ages, feeling sorry for myself, and I’m tired of it. I thought I could do it, but I can’t.”
The New Life in Devon
Now, in Devon, Barrymore is trying to find his footing. Despite feeling lost at times, he’s optimistic about the future. “Lara loves it here, and we have loads of space,” he said, acknowledging the positive aspects of his new life. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but I know it will get better.”
The bungalow, with its enclosed garden and decking area, is a perfect place for Barrymore to relax and entertain. It’s clear that he’s eager to build new memories in this humble home, away from the pressures of fame.
Neighbours’ Surprising Reaction
Barrymore’s new neighbors have been welcoming, although some were initially surprised to find the former TV star living just down the road. “We met him when he first moved in. He seems like a lovely chap,” one neighbor said. “It’s a bit strange having someone we used to watch on TV living just around the corner, but he seems to be making friends just fine.”
Barrymore’s move has undoubtedly marked a new chapter in his life – one that is filled with a mixture of excitement, fear, and uncertainty. It remains to be seen if this quieter life will bring him the peace and happiness he’s been searching for.
Could This Be The Start of a New Beginning?
As Barrymore settles into his Devon bungalow, one thing is clear: he’s determined to leave the past behind and start afresh. Will this new life be the answer to his struggles? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems that Michael Barrymore is on a path toward reinvention – and his journey is far from over.


