Advertisement

John Barrowman believes public have forgiven him as he launches comeback

Watch: John Barrowman talks to GMB about being 'cancelled'

John Barrowman has said he believes the public have forgiven him following accusations of sexual misconduct.

The 54-year-old actor — who has admitted to previously exposing himself to cast and crew while working on Doctor Who spin-off show Torchwood — has vowed he will not let his career be ended by 'cancel culture'.

Asked by Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley how he had turned the scandal around Barrowman said: "I don't think it's me that turned it around, I think the public understand it was tomfoolery and a joke and silliness and it wasn't sexual harassment.

Read more: Time's Up UK refutes John Barrowman's claim that flashing is not sexual harassment

"You say it was my party trick but everybody who was there on set, and part of the fun, enjoyed it and laughed at the time."

John Barrowman was due to star in audio drama 'Torchwood: Absent Friends', with David Tennant and Gareth David-Lloyd. (Big Finish)
John Barrowman rose to poularity as captain Jack Harkness in 'Doctor Who' opposite David Tennant. (Big Finish)

Speaking live from Palm Springs in California he went on: "Cancel culture - they've tried to strip my career over 35 years that I've worked very hard with, and had a lot of fun, and have been very open with all of the silliness that went on. All of the stories are nothing new, they've been out there for years and I've written about them in my autobiography.

"Cancel culture are like hyenas that are trying to strip the meat off of a bone until there is nothing left.

John Barrowman hosts 'All Star Musicals' on ITV. (ITV)
John Barrowman hosts 'All Star Musicals' on ITV. (ITV)

"I'm over it and I have moved on and I think everybody else has moved on."

Barrowman is hosting ITV's new celebrity singing show All Star Musicals and is set to tour the UK from April with his one-man musical show I Am What I Am.

The former Dancing On Ice judge said: "Maybe there is a little bit of defiance. I've always said to my fans that people tell me to change, and granted you have to change in certain ways, and I am what I am."

An MP has urged ITV to axe John Barrowman from the 'Dancing On Ice' judging panel. (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)
John Barrowman believes the public has forgiven him and he is ready to move on with his career. (Getty Images)

Asked how he felt about losing his career due following the scandal, he said: "I don't think I actually lost it. There was a few months it was very traumatic and very upsetting, not only for me but for my family. Even companies that I'd worked for were believing everything on Twitter, rather than coming and asking me what the situation was.

"We need to learn to forgive people and understand that times were different. I wouldn't do anything like that now, it wouldn't be right. There are different rules now."

Barrowman added: "If I told all the secrets I know in the entertainment industry in years gone by I could write one heck of a book, I'll tell ya! But that's not me, because I know that is not now. That was then, this is now."

John Barrowman is no longer a judge on 'Dancing On Ice'. (Getty Images)
John Barrowman is no longer a judge on 'Dancing On Ice'. (Getty Images)

The West End star was replaced as a judge on Dancing On Ice following the allegations, but he has denied he was axed from the show.

Read more: John Barrowman finally explains why he exposed himself on 'Torchwood'

Barrowman said: "Dancing On Ice is also a show that changes judges all the time."

All Star Musicals sees famous faces take on musical theatre training with the help of West End stars and coaches to stage the performance of their lives and compete to be crowned the champion.

Watch: John Barrowman wants to move on from sexual misconduct accusations