Coronation Street star Bill Roache launches tour for £20 amid bankruptcy battle

CORONATION Street stalwart Bill Roache has launched a fresh tour to spill the secrets on the soap amid his bankruptcy battle.

The Ken Barlow star, 91, is the ITV show's longest-serving actor.

Yet earlier this month, it was revealed how Bill was facing bankruptcy after he was hauled to court over a mystery tax debt.

Now the Corrie veteran is attempting to raise cash by going on tour - and selling tickets for just £20.

Bill, who has been on-screen since 1960, will head to seaside town Scarborough this summer for An Evening With William Roache: The Best Of His Life And Times.

Show organisers have promised a "genuinely unique and special occasion" filled with "heartfelt and fascinating stories about his long and successful life."

They add: "Bill will explore what his life was like before fame - growing up during World War 2, his life at school, time spent serving in the British Army and so much more!

"Of course, there will be many interesting, heartfelt and fascinating stories about his long and successful life as part of the British Soap institution that is Coronation Street."

The event, running on June 1, will last two hours at The Concert Hall at Scarborough.

Last week, we told how Bill has been formally petitioned over tax arrears by HMRC.

Papers were lodged against the star, who was previously made bankrupt in 1999, at London's High Court on Tuesday.

Bill, who was awarded an MBE in 2001 and an OBE in 2022, is listed under his full name as the "debtor" with HMRC as "the petitioner".

"William Patrick Roache" is also declared a "litigant in person";, indicating he will conduct his own defence unless he appoints a lawyer or declines to challenge the bankruptcy.

Details of the cause of the tax debt remained confidential.

A spokesperson for the soap told us previously: "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."

He has told how he will now need to continue working until his tax affairs are sorted out.

The star's money woes have spanned 30 years.

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