Chris Barrie, cherished for his iconic role in the 90s TV series Red Dwarf, recently made a triumphant public appearance at a fan event in Scarborough Spa. The 65-year-old actor, who had been absent from public view following a health scare, was warmly received by fans as he engaged in photo sessions and signed memorabilia. This appearance is significant, marking his first public engagement in approximately five years, and it follows his earlier decision to cancel appearances due to health concerns.

Fans were particularly enthused to see Barrie, renowned for his portrayal of Arnold Rimmer in the esteemed BBC sci-fi sitcom, looking vibrant and upbeat. He was smartly attired in a camel trench coat, complemented by a green jumper and a stripy tie, as he interacted with attendees. Barrie’s last on-screen performance was in 2020 in the feature-length special Red Dwarf: The Promised Land, where he reprised his role as Rimmer. In this installment, Rimmer was rejuvenated from a low-energy hologram to assist his shipmate, Dave Lister, portrayed by Craig Charles, in thwarting the plans of the villainous Rodon.

Earlier in the year, Barrie had raised concerns among his fanbase after unexpectedly pulling out of several scheduled appearances. At the time, he vaguely attributed his absence to a “medical situation,” which led to widespread speculation regarding his health.

In a heartfelt update addressed to his supporters on his official website, Barrie shared reassuring news about his recovery journey. “For those interested, here is an update on my health situation,” he wrote. “Since being discharged from hospital in early July, I have been feeling better and stronger with each passing day.”

He further mentioned that he was no longer on medication and was about a month into a healing process expected to last three to four months, although he acknowledged that further diagnostic tests might still be necessary.

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 fans: “If my rate of recovery remains the same… then I could be looking at working the odd day in October,” but stressed it was “still too early to say”.

He promised to update supporters as plans firmed up and said he fully hoped to honour his November Scarborough commitment — a promise he has now kept.

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

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

Chris also became a household name in the BBC sitcom The Brittas Empire and later reunited with the cast for the show’s 30th anniversary.

Away from screens, Chris keeps his private life tightly guarded, though he has been married twice and has two sons.

The actor’s refreshed appearance this week has reassured fans that the 90s legend is firmly on the mend — and ready to return to work.