Michael Barrymore has cancelled his appearance in Scrooge at Oxford's New Theatre next month under the orders of medics.

The troubled television celebrity, best known for Strike it Lucky and My Kind of People, was set to star in the stage musical in the week of January 15-20.

But the New Theatre spokesman Joel Barnett told the Oxford Mail: "Michael Barrymore has been ordered by doctors to rest for one week.

"He will carry on and complete Sunderland over the Christmas period, however under instructions, he cannot go on the week of Oxford."

In October, Terry Lubbock, the father of Stuart Lubbock, a 31-year-old meat factory worker who died in mysterious circumstances at Mr Barrymore's home at Roydon, Essex, in 2001, urged the producers of Scrooge to scrap the show.

Mr Lubbock, from Harlow, was found face-down and unconscious in the entertainer's swimming pool wearing only boxer shorts. He had sustained serious internal injuries.

There is no suggestion Mr Barrymore was involved in his death.

Mr Lubbock, 61, speaking from the family home near Harlow, told the Mail: "I think the strain is beginning to tell - I do believe now that things are burdening Mr Barrymore.

"The man has categorically stated time and again these injuries happened at the hospital.

"The outcome of last year for me health wise was that I do not work now.

"I spent six months in hospital - and I lay that completely at the outcome of the death of my son."

There was no indication about refunds or a replacement show for those who had pre-booked tickets.

In 2002, an inquest into Mr Lubbock's death reached an open verdict.

In January this year Tony Bennett, the Lubbock's family solicitor, issued an application for Michael Barrymore to be charged with six offences relating to his actions on the morning of Stuart Lubbock's death in a private prosecution.

Mr Bennett was initially unable to serve the papers on Mr Barrymore as he was appearing in Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother.

And earlier this month, Essex police said they would re-open the Stuart Lubbock case after persistent lobbying on behalf of his family.

Scrooge, based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, opened in November at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.

Mr Barrymore had previously told thisistheatre.com: "I'm delighted to be taking to the stage again to lead this magical musical.

"Playing this role is a challenge that I relish."

For more information call the New Theatre on 01865 320760