The family of Stuart Lubbock, the man found dead in Michael Barrymore's swimming pool last year, has appealed to the BBC not to publish the entertainer's autobiography.

Peter Richards, the lawyer for the family, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the plan was "squalid and unfortunate".

Publication of this book could only damage the BBC's reputation

Lord Rees-Mogg

"I feel very strongly on behalf of the family that is a project which should now be scrapped without delay," said Mr Richards.

The BBC, which had initially said it would publish the book, is now reconsidering its plans.

The autobiography, commissioned in 2000 by BBC Worldwide, was scheduled to be published in October.

Called Running Away From Myself, a BBC spokesman had stressed the book would not contain any details that had not already been aired to the coroner and police.

Mr Barrymore's solicitor David Corker added: "There's nothing in the book which Mr Barrymore has not already told the police in a lengthy witness statement."

Lord Rees-Mogg, a former vice-chairman of the BBC, has joined those calling for the book to be stopped.

"Publication of this book could only damage the BBC's reputation," he told Today.

"I'd be astonished if the governors agreed to continue - I'm amazed that it's got this far," he added.

Former BBC governor Dr Margaret Spurr also joined the lobby.

"It doesn't sound wholesome whatsoever and surely it's not the best line of business - despite any contractual difficulties - for the BBC to pursue. I think they should drop it entirely," she said.

The "warts and all" account of the 50-year-old's personal and public life was to include a chapter on the death of Mr Lubbock.

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

Post-mortem examinations revealed high levels of alcohol and drugs, including cocaine and Ecstasy, in the 31-year-old's system as well as injuries which may have resulted from a serious sexual assault.

Mr Richards said Mr Lubbock's family was grateful for the thoroughness of the police investigation.

"We feel very strongly the police did everything they could to investigate the matter fully," he said.

And, while he ruled out a pursuing a criminal action against Mr Barrymore, he refused to rule out other action. "As far as a civil proceeding, it is a matter that has been discussed."

During last week's inquest, Mr Barrymore was criticised for not answering questions about allegations of cocaine use.

The original BBC statement on the decision to publish the book said: "No-one would wish to cause any more distress [but] the decision to include [Mr Lubbock's death] in the book hasn't been taken lightly by him or the publisher."

The BBC spokesman stressed that no licence fee funds were used to acquire the book.

"BBC Worldwide is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC but it operates separately and at arm's length from the corporation. Licence fee income is never used to fund commercial activities," he said.