Coronation Street stalwart William “Bill” Roache is facing bankruptcy, despite earning a six figure salary for his role in the ITV soap. It has been reported that HMRC has filed a petition against the 91-year-old Ken Barlow actor.
Bill has played Ken on the cobbles since 1960, and is said to be the highest-paid member of the cast. It is believed that he is earning around £250,000 a year.
HMRC said it does not comment on individual cases. But a spokesperson told The Mirror: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts, and do everything we can to help those who engage with us to get out of debt, such as offering instalment plans.
“We only petition for bankruptcy as a last resort.” A spokesperson for Corrie also said: “We’re really sorry to hear of Bill’s financial situation.
“Bill has an ongoing contract with Coronation Street and remains a much-loved member of the cast.” This is not the first time Bill has faced money issues.
ITV Coronation Street star Bill Roache facing bankruptcy despite earning £250,000-a-year (Image: ITV)
Back in 2018, The Mirror reported that Bill allegedly faced a huge charge after being investigated for investing in a Cayman Islands tax avoidance scheme.
It was alleged that the actor was involved in a £500million scheme.
However, at the time, it was not known how much he had invested in Twofold First Services LLP.
The business is owned by a company in the tax haven Caribbean Island.
Late Queen Elizabeth visited the Coronation Street set in 2021
Bill was one of the 288 investors who entered the scheme.
It is believed that on average, people who were involved put in around £1.75million.
Papers seen by the publication showed Bill joined the scheme in March 2012.
24 years ago, Bill was also declared bankrupt after successfully suing a newspaper who had called him “boring”.
In 2022 Bill Roache was awarded an MBE
He was awarded a staggering £50,000 in damages.
This was the same amount the soap star had initially turned down in an out-of-court settlement before the case.
Bill was then left liable for £120,000 in costs.
The beloved actor eventually sued his law firm for negligence, but was declared bankrupt in 1999.
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Bill is one of Britain’s favourite TV stars and last month signed a new deal with ITV.
He is the world’s longest-serving soap star, who was an awarded an MBE for his contributions to TV and Drama.
At the time he said: “I’m delighted to be receiving an OBE as it’s such a wonderful honour.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am. Coronation Street has given me so much in life and I absolutely love the programme and everyone who works on the show.”
