Coronation Street’s Bill Roache ‘facing huge bill’ after ‘investing in tax avoidance scheme’
CORONATION Street actor Bill Roache reportedly faces a "huge bill" after investing in a "£500million tax avoidance scheme".
According to The Mirror, the actor invested in Twofold First Services LLP, which is owned by a company in the Cayman Islands.
It is unclear how much the star, who is one of soap’s highest earners playing Ken Barlow, allegedly invested.
The Sun Online has not been able to independently verify the claims.
The news is the latest blow for Bill following the death of daughter Vanya, 50, last month.
The Mirror claims that Bill joined the scheme in 2012 and is one of 288 investors who put an average of £1.75 million into it.
They report it as a landmark victory for HMRC after a tribunal ruled in favour of them, stating that Twofold was “a tax avoidance arrangement”.
The treasury branded it “abusive and artificial” and the prospect of further appeals was ruled out.
Olympic cycling champion Sir Bradley Wiggins invested in Twofold in 2012 but resigned from it.
He said at the time: “I had a small investment in Twofold, following guidance from my professional advisers.
“I had, however, claimed no tax relief of any amount in regard to this investment. Given the concerns raised about it, I have instructed my advisers to withdraw me from the scheme with immediate effect.”
The Sun Online has contacted Bill’s rep for comment.
A spokesman for HMRC said: “Our role is to collect the tax due under the law. We must follow the legislation in concluding the right amount to tax.
“We are committed to working positively to discuss affordable payment arrangements with anyone facing payment difficulties. We have an outstanding track record for supporting those facing difficulty.
“Anyone who anticipates problems paying their tax bill should contact us.”
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