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Coronation Street’s William ‘Bill’ Roache is facing bankruptcy after HMRC reportedly filed a petition against him. It’s been claimed that the soap star is “fine in the circumstances” and feels he has “no choice” now but to carry on portraying Ken Barlow.
The 91-year-old has played Ken in the long-running ITV drama since 1960 and is reportedly the highest-paid member of its cast. Despite his reported six-figure salary, he could become bankrupt in the near future.
Regarding Bill’s alleged issues, a source told The Sun: “Corrie have been great. He knows he has a job for life and the thing is, he needs it now. The tax issue has been rumbling on a long time but it is still quite shocking.”
“Obviously, everyone is worried about the impact all of this could have on someone of Bill’s age,” they continued. “The risk of being made bankrupt is tough for anyone, but for a 91-year-old it’s a huge worry.”
They added: “Bill’s doing fine in the circumstances and is in a determined mood. He just wants to get it all sorted out and is getting the advice he needs.”
In a fresh update, it’s claimed that the drama with HMRC has prompted Bill to tell friends that he “doesn’t exactly have much choice” in whether or not to retire from acting.
“But at least he’s happy in his job,” they added.
Regarding the star’s reported financial situation, a spokesperson from Corrie 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.”
HMRC has said that while it doesn’t comment on individual cases they do take a “supportive approach to dealing with customers’ tax debts.”
A spokesperson said: “[We] 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.”
This is not the first time that Bill has been plagued with money issues as back in 2018, The Mirror reported that he allegedly faced a charge after being investigated for investing in a tax avoidance scheme.
It was claimed that the star was involved in a £500million scheme in the Cayman Islands however, it is not known how much he invested in Twofold First Services LLP – a business owned by a company on the Caribbean Island.
He also declared himself bankrupt back in 1999 after suing a publication that had called him “boring”.
Despite being awarded £50,000 in damages he was left liable for £120,000 in cost and eventually sued his law firm for negligence.
Last month it was revealed that the father-of-five had signed a new lucrative deal to remain on the Cobbles alongside favourites Sally Dynevor and Michael Le Velle.
It’s reported that Bill has signed on for what will be his 64th year on the soap, having made his first appearance back on December 9, 1960.
At the time of writing, the Nottingham-born actor is the longest-serving cast member and is listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest-serving television star in a continuous role.
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Source: NewsFinale
