Coronation Street star Bill Roache, 91, given deadline to settle huge tax bill or risks bankruptcy for second time
CORONATION Street star Bill Roache has been given three months to clear his huge tax bill – or faces bankruptcy for a second time.
The 91-year-old, who has played Ken Barlow on the soap for more than 60 years, had owed a massive six-figure sum.
A bankruptcy hearing was held at the High Court today but the full amount Roache still needs to pay back was not disclosed.
Lawyers for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) confirmed the original £546,348.53 debt has been reduced.
The full hearing was adjourned for 12 weeks to “allow for the sale of property”.
Roache will return to the court in June where he could be declared bankrupt if the bill has not been settled.
The actor, who owns a mortgage-free home worth £900,000 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, was previously declared bankrupt in 1999.
Creditors later estimated he had around £600,000 in unpaid debts.
Twice-wed dad-of-five Roache holds the record for being the longest-serving TV star in a continuous role.
He has played Ken Barlow in Corrie since its first episode aired in 1960.
In 2021, Roache was made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for his services to drama and charity.