90s sitcom star unrecognisable five years after last TV | UK News

A beloved 90s TV favorite has been noticed wanting in positive type at a fan event — just months after quietly overcoming a worrying health scare. Red Dwarf icon Chris Barrie, 65, delighted followers at a meet-and-greet in Scarborough Spa, posing for pictures with collectors and signing merchandise after beforehand pulling out of appearances due to a “medical situation”. It marks the first correct public snap of the actor in around five years, and supporters have been thrilled to see him.

Chris, best recognized for taking part in hologram Arnold Rimmer in the cult BBC sci-fi sitcom, had rescheduled his summer time look in the seaside city after struggling from sick health. Fans said he appeared in good spirits, dressed well in a camel trench coat, inexperienced jumper and stripy tie. The actor hasn’t been seen on screen since 2020, when he starred in the feature-length particular Red Dwarf: The Promised Land. The movie noticed the Dwarfers face off against cat-hunting villain Rodon, with Rimmer revived from a low-energy hologram to help Dave Lister — performed by Craig Charles — save the day.

Earlier this 12 months, Chris sparked concern after abruptly withdrawing from a number of bookings. At the time, he described the issue only as a “medical situation”, prompting hypothesis among followers.

In a candid update posted to his official web site, he wrote: “For those interested, here is an update on my health situation. Since being discharged from hospital in early July, I have been feeling better and stronger with each passing day.”

He added that he was medication-free and “a month into a 3-4 month healing process”, noting there could also be additional diagnostic exams to come.

Chris continued: “Apologies for being utterly non specific but I would rather keep it that way for now. So, in brief, feeling much more myself, enjoying being at home and busying myself with light tasks, although this is about to be stepped up to medium tasks…”

Speaking about his return to work, he told followers: “If my rate of recovery remains the same… then I could be looking at working the odd day in October,” but burdened it was “still too early to say”.

He promised to update supporters as plans firmed up and said he absolutely hoped to honour his November Scarborough dedication — a promise he has now saved.

According to IMDb, Chris’s next credit is voicing a character in the 2025 recreation Simon the Sorcerer Origins.

Red Dwarf first aired in 1988, changing into a cult hit centred on Lister, the last human alive, adrift in deep space with only a hologram, an android, the ship’s pc and a creature descended from his pet cat for company.

Chris also grew to become a family title in the BBC sitcom The Brittas Empire and later reunited with the forged for the show’s thirtieth anniversary.

Away from screens, Chris retains his non-public life tightly guarded, though he has been married twice and has two sons.

The actor’s refreshed look this week has reassured followers that the 90s legend is firmly on the mend — and prepared to return to work.