Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell ‘declared bankrupt after six-figure tax bill’ and £200k bill fighting child sex claims
The actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, reportedly failed to keep on top of his tax affairs
CORRIE star Michael Le Vell has been declared bankrupt – despite earning £250,000 on the cobbles, according to reports.
The actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, reportedly failed to keep on top of his tax affairs.
HMRC were named as the petitioner in the High Court and sources have revealed the actor’s outstanding bill was “a six-figure sum”, The reports.
The Sun revealed yesterday the 53-year-old paid £200,000 in legal fees in a trial over child abuse claims in 2013.
He was found not guilty but Ministry of Justice rules prevent people who can afford their defence from receiving tax-funded paybacks after the case.
This means he had to pay the full amount out of his own pocket.
He was reportedly offered a £250,000-a-year contract last year to continue playing the role of Kevin the mechanic which he has held since 1983.
Reports emerged last year that the actor was facing bankruptcy after receiving a letter threatening legal action at his girlfriend’s home in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
He allegedly failed to settle his affairs and the High Court declared him broke under his real name Michael Robert Turner, earlier this year.
Dad-of-two Le Vell sold his £750,000 Cheshire home after his marriage to actress Janette Beverley collapsed following his trial over child sex allegations.
In September, 2013, jurors at Manchester crown court took just four hours to acquit him on all 19 charges.
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But his private life was laid bare in court as he admitted being an alcoholic who repeatedly cheated on his wife.
He currently lives with 42-year-old Louise Gibbons.
The actor's reps told Sun Online they wouldn't comment as it's a "private matter".
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