Television entertainer Michael Barrymore has said the support of the public had kept him from descending into a "pit of depression" after the death of a man found in a swimming pool at his home.

Mr Barrymore, from Essex, also praised the help he received from Alcoholics Anonymous.

Speaking to the Herts and Essex Observer, Mr Barrymore, said: "Those close to me love me, and despite what the press would have you believe, I get support from the public.

"That combined with the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) has kept me well and from going into a pit of depression from which I might not get out."

The cause of Mr Lubbock's death has not been established

Stuart Lubbock, 31, a butchery supervisor from Harlow, Essex, was found floating in a swimming pool at Mr Barrymore's home in nearby Roydon in March 2001.

He was declared dead in hospital shortly afterwards.

Police said Mr Lubbock had been one of a number of people attending a party at Mr Barrymore's luxury home.

Mr Barrymore was cautioned by police for the possession and supply of a Class B drug, the possession of a class A drug and allowing his home to be used for the taking of a class B drug.

New investigation

Tests showed that Mr Lubbock had suffered severe internal injuries.

But at an inquest in September medical experts could not agree on the cause of death and a coroner recorded an open verdict.

Partygoers who gave evidence at the inquest could not explain Mr Lubbock's injuries.

Detectives recently started a new investigation after Mr Barrymore's lawyers asked them to look into the possibility that Mr Lubbock suffered the injuries at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow.