Corrie's William Roache Avoids Bankruptcy After Tax Bill Threat

Coronation Street star, William Roache, is spared from bankruptcy after settling his tax bill with the UK authorities.

The 92 year old, best known for his role as Ken Barlow in Coronation Street was given a 12 week deadline in March to settle a tax dispute with His Majesties Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The hearing held at the UK High Court on Monday lasted less than a minute, where Anam Razvi, the representative for HMRC, requested that the case be dismissed on behalf of the tax body.

Chief Insolvency and Companies Court judge, Nicholas Briggs, agreed and the case was dismissed.

Roache was notably not in attendance of the hearing at the London specialist Insolvency and Companies Court.

The Mirror reported back in 2018 that Roache was faced with a large bill after investing in a £500,000 tax avoidance scheme. The star reportedly invested an unknown amount of money into Twofold First Services LLP, a company owned by a firm based in the Cayman Islands.

Earlier this year a spokesperson for Coronation Street released a statement expressing sympathy for Roahe's financial troubles, saying "We're really sorry to hear of Bill's financial situation. He has an ongoing contract with Coronation Street and remains a much-loved member of the cast."

The iconic soap star holds the current world record for the longest-serving TV soap star in the world and has been with the show since its first episode in 1960. He was also made an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours list in December 2021 for his services to drama and charity.