The former king of light entertainment hit rock bottom in the wake of Stuart Lubbock's pool death at his home.
But in his first interview for years, Barrymore reveals he is getting his life back on track.
Michael, 71, told the Daily Star: "I went through a period where I wasn't sure if people would point at me.
"I dealt with it by realising there is always somebody worse off.
"I had a mate who had a seven-year-old son with cancer. I said, 'Would you take everything I'm dealing with for him to be well?' And it was a no-brainer.
"I can't tell you how happy I am now. I'm the busiest I've ever been and I'm the happiest I've ever been.
"I am probably the fittest I've been, too. I walk a lot, I eat well and I do what I love.
"I'm 71 and I feel fitter than I was when I was 40 when I was drinking and all that." Michael has divided opinion since the 2001 scandal that ended his TV career.
Denne historien er fra July 26, 2023-utgaven av Daily Star.
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Denne historien er fra July 26, 2023-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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