Michael Barrymore has revealed that a “kid on a bike” snatched his phone off him during a broad daylight robbery in south-east London.
The comedian and television presenter, 71, was filming an upcoming project when the young cyclist swiftly grabbed his smartphone from his hand on Tuesday, February 13.
Barrymore, famed for hosting "Strike It Lucky," "My Kind Of People," and "Kids Say The Funniest Things," was shooting a segment for Secret London in Bermondsey, his childhood neighbourhood, when the incident unfolded.
He was visiting locations from his childhood and teenage years across south and north London for the piece.
@themichaelbarrymore All my photos of Dave are gone 🥹 #michaelbarrymore #secretlondon #vlog @Secret London
♬ original sound - Michael Barrymore
In a TikTok video, he said: “I was out filming this morning and the first thing that happened was I got my phone nicked by some kid on a bike so it wasn't a great start.”
He added: “I'm going to ring the police now and see if I can get my phone back from that little f*cker.”
He then poked fun at the alleged thief in a follow-up video montage, saying: “Hey everyone.
“I hope you all had a great Tuesday. Except for you (lil bro on the bike who stole my phone clean out of my hand this morning in Bermondsey). Your parents don’t love you.”
His admission attracted sympathy from his 2.3 million social media followers.
“I aspire to be this funny when I'm old,” one said. Barrymore replied: “I'm not joking Libs, I was robbed thismorning.”
“Sorry that happened to you Michael. London is going downhill. Hope you are ok,” another said.
Barrymore said he reported the incident to the Metropolitan Police, who were “extremely helpful”.
Michael lived on the Dickens Estate in Bermondsey for the first 18 years of his life.
The Metropolitan Police has been contacted for comment.