Coronation Street Star Beverley Callard Confronts New Financial Crisis
Former Coronation Street actress Beverley Callard, renowned for her portrayal of Liz McDonald, faces renewed financial turmoil as reports emerge of an unpaid £98,000 tax bill that could potentially force her into bankruptcy for a second time. The 68-year-old actress, who graced the ITV soap from 1985 until 2020, finds herself in this precarious position following the collapse of her company, JMBJ Limited, in 2023.
The Collapse of JMBJ Limited
Beverley Callard and her husband, Jon McEwan, established JMBJ Limited as a vehicle to manage her finances after her departure from Coronation Street. The company, however, entered liquidation last year, leaving significant debts in its wake. According to financial documents, the firm managed to repay only £7,500 of the £114,000 in loans taken against the business, resulting in outstanding liabilities that include:
- A £51,000 tax bill owed to HM Revenue and Customs
- £47,000 in unpaid corporation tax
- Approximately £3,000 owed to other creditors due to insufficient funds
The liquidators themselves received just £7,657 of their £33,164 fee, highlighting the severe financial constraints of the situation.
Liquidators' Assessment and Settlement
Official documents reveal that the joint liquidators accepted a settlement of £7,500 in full and final settlement of the outstanding balance. Their statement explained: "After taking into consideration the directors' financial position and the likely additional costs to be incurred in continuing to pursue this matter further, the Joint Liquidators accepted the sum of £7,500 in full and final settlement of the outstanding balance owed. This offer was deemed acceptable on the basis that, given the directors' financial position, it was unlikely that any further recoveries would be possible."
The liquidators further noted that due to lack of realisations in the matter, only £1,454.82 plus VAT remained available, with no further fees recoverable. Representatives for Beverley Callard have been approached for comment regarding these developments.
History of Financial Struggles
This is not the first time Beverley Callard has faced significant financial difficulties. In 2012, she was declared bankrupt after being hit with a £60,000 tax bill. Her money troubles reached a crisis point when she left Coronation Street while dealing with ill health and depression, compounded by caring for her mother who was in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Reflecting on her previous bankruptcy, Beverley told the Sunday Mirror: "Since the bankruptcy became public people think I'm a showbiz diva who frittered her cash away on expensive dinners and fancy clothes. That couldn't be further from the truth. Corrie schedules are full-on. It's all or nothing and I had to face a choice between The Street or Mum. I love everything about Corrie but there could only be one answer."
Previous Financial Hardships
The actress's financial struggles have been longstanding and severe. Around February 2009, Beverley suffered a breakdown while working intensively at both Coronation Street and a pub she owned with her husband Jon. The business was hit hard by the credit crunch and smoking ban, leading to mounting debts that spiraled out of control.
At their lowest point, the couple were reduced to borrowing money from friends to afford just one meal per day. During this period, Beverley was unable to cover the cost of electric shock therapy for depression while receiving treatment at The Priory psychiatric hospital in Altrincham.
Career Developments and Comeback
Despite these financial challenges, Beverley Callard continues to pursue her acting career. Earlier this month, she made a soap opera comeback, though not to Weatherfield but to Ireland's Fair City, where she plays Lily, the long-lost mother of established character Gwen.
Promotional images show Beverley in character, wearing a black leather jacket in one shot and a cream ruffled jacket with a denim jumpsuit in another, posing beside a 'Welcome to Carrigstown' sign. Her iconic character Liz McDonald first appeared on Coronation Street more than three decades ago, with Beverley's tenure including multiple stints between 1985 and 2020.
Additionally, reports suggest Beverley has signed up for the upcoming I'm A Celebrity All Stars series, five years after her initial appearance on the reality show. This move may represent an effort to address her financial situation through new television opportunities while continuing her acting career on both sides of the Irish Sea.
