Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Brown on the soap, is facing significant financial difficulties with her Manchester tearoom, Annie's. The company behind the cafe, Fifth Floor Ltd, has accumulated debts of £428,658 according to 2017 accounts filed at Companies House.
The debts have risen from £384,771 in 2016 and £376,991 in 2015, despite the tearoom receiving positive reviews on TripAdvisor. McAlpine runs the business with her husband Chris Farr, with whom she has a three-year-old son named Albert.
A source close to the couple said they are hoping to trade their way back into profit but acknowledged the challenges in the restaurant industry. The original plan to open a chain of eateries across Britain has been put on hold as they focus on making the single location financially viable.
An earlier venture, Fifth Floor Online Ltd, which sold products such as jam and biscuits via the internet, has been dissolved after failing to attract sufficient orders. McAlpine's representative has been contacted for comment.
Despite the financial struggles, Annie's remains popular with diners and McAlpine's Coronation Street co-stars, offering traditional English fare including Lancashire hot pot. McAlpine has previously expressed her enjoyment of meeting customers at the restaurant when not filming.
