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Daniella Westbrook, best known for her role as Sam Mitchell on EastEnders, shared that the most illustrious person she ever met was none other than Princess Diana. Recounting her memories on
the Criminal Connection podcast, Daniella remarked on Diana's frequent visits to Michael Barrymore's house. Asked about her most famous encounter, she shared: "Lady Diana
probably – I met her at Michael Barrymore's house actually. "She used to go round there quite a lot because we used to make her laugh. So I met her privately just in
Michael's. I was there quite often because Cheryl (Barrymore's ex-wife) used to be my agent. Lady Di was lovely." Diana and Barrymore famously shared a close friendship, and
it has been said that Diana was among the first to know about his true sexuality. Following an instance where Barrymore entered rehabilitation in 1996, Diana cut short her vacation to offer
him support — a testament to their bond, occurring just one year prior to her tragic passing. And writing in her autobiography, Catch a Falling Star, Cheryl said: "[Diana] seemed to
believe they could achieve something truly great and immortal together because they had the key to weeping massive public affection." Meanwhile, Daniella, now 51, also spoke out in
defence of Barrymore, 72, suggesting he became a "scapegoat to the system" after the body of Stuart Lubbock was found at his Roydon, Essex, residence after a party. Barrymore has
openly reflected on his struggles with addiction, expressing nostalgia for Diana's support. He remarked: "I have a feeling that if she was around it wouldn't have been so
bad... she would have helped me through it." Daniella, also familiar with the hardships of drug addiction, commented on Barrymore's current state, saying: "Michael is doing
really well. I think he is something like 15 years clean or something now. He is doing really good." Once at the pinnacle of British TV, Barrymore's career declined, yet no one has
been charged regarding Stuart's death. Essex Police reiterated their commitment to the case in 2023, stating: "As we have continually stated over the last 20 years - we believe
someone, or some people, at that party know what happened." During an appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2020, Barrymore defended himself: "I've got nothing to hide.
I've never had anything to hide. I've got every right to go out and work in the business I've worked in without being kicked in the teeth just because I'm back on the
telly."