Legendary Coronation Street actor Bill Roache, who has been Ken Barlow’s onscreen partner since the show’s debut in 1960, is apparently getting ready to take on a new role as he prepares to pay a £500,000 tax bill.
Bill Roache’s character Ken Barlow on Coronation Street is about to have a new love interest.
According to reports, Helen Lederer, who plays a newcomer to the soap opera Absolutely Fabulous, will be pursuing the 91-year-old character. In light of Bill’s financial difficulties, it is anticipated that Helen’s entrance will increase his revenues every episode.
This occurs after Bill filed for bankruptcy a second time and was granted three months to pay off his obligations. His debt was lowered on Monday, March 11, as a result of his payments. According to Jacquille Jarrett, who works for HMRC, he plans to sell his house and use the proceeds to pay down the remaining balance.
In order to settle the remaining amount he owes, his case has been postponed for a further 12 weeks, ending on June 10. Although the court did not specify the amount he must pay today, they said last month that it was £546,000 in taxes. Since Roache was not present at the court, it is assumed that he earns one of the highest salaries on the show—roughly £250,000 annually.
At Helen’s arrival on Weatherfield’s cobblestone streets, a TV insider told The Sun, “Despite being Weatherfield’s oldest resident Ken still has an eye for the ladies and his character is very charming.” They also mentioned that since Corrie stars are paid by the episode, this plot would increase Bill’s income.
Regarding Bill’s financial difficulties earlier in the year, a Coronation Street representative expressed regret, saying, “We’re really sorry to hear of Bill’s financial situation.” He is still under contract with Coronation Street and is still a beloved cast member.”
Bill attempted to supplement his income during lockdowns by creating web videos for his followers. He became a member of Celebrity Video Messages, a platform where fans may pay celebrities to create a personalized video. He promised to supply the videos in four to seven working days for £35 apiece. In Cameo, where he continues to create personal videos, he also joined.
Bill, who has spent 64 years on Corrie, has increased his fee on the website and is now requesting £51 in order to produce a video for his followers. Despite his financial difficulties, Bill has stated that he has no intention of retiring. In an ITV documentary celebrating his 90th birthday, he told viewers, “People will ask, ‘When are you retiring? Will you be taking a break soon? What then occurs, though? I don’t plan to retire as long as I can do it and they will have me. I consider myself extremely fortunate to work for a company that values my presence.”
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