Michael Barrymore, the iconic television presenter, is currently in recovery following a painful hernia operation. The 73-year-old has been resting at his coastal home in Devon after recently moving there from plans to relocate to Spain.
Barrymore shared with fans that his recovery has been challenging. “I can’t do a lot until I recover,” he admitted. Despite the discomfort, he enjoyed a gentle walk with his dog, Lara, at Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth, but the pain forced them to return early to rest.
He explained, “We just slept all day in the sunlight and chilled out. I have loads of painkillers from the hospital, but I avoid them because they make me really drowsy.”
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A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or surrounding tissue, typically between the chest and hips. While sometimes symptom-free, hernias often cause swelling or lumps in the abdomen or groin. Each year, around 100,000 to 120,000 people in the UK undergo treatment for hernias.
Supporters have sent Barrymore heartfelt messages wishing him a speedy recovery. One fan wrote, “You are fit and blessed; you will be okay, Michael.” Another encouraged him to “take it easy,” while others echoed similar sentiments of care and well-wishing.
Just days after his surgery, the former Strike It Lucky host lightheartedly quipped, “Okay, the surgery was a success, but what if I’m not funny anymore?”
Earlier this month, Barrymore collected the keys to his new Devon home, where he has already received a warm welcome from the local community. He has enjoyed strolls on nearby beaches, visits to local sweet shops, and stops at garden centers while settling in.
Michael revealed that moving has been somewhat stressful, prompting him to limit himself to one task per day to avoid feeling overwhelmed. He also shared a glimpse of his bedroom setup, mentioning he’s sleeping on a mattress on the floor until his custom-made pink bed arrives in June, matching his sofa.
The neighborhood’s children recently came to visit, greeting him warmly. “I’ve never experienced such an outpouring of love after moving to a new place,” Barrymore remarked emotionally, praising the politeness and friendliness of the local kids.
Embracing his new community, Barrymore participated in a local school’s community theatre group, sharing advice and taking part enthusiastically as part of his commitment to say yes to new experiences since moving to Devon.