Coronation Street star Simon Gregson has turned to hosting paid fan events, including a £37 curry night, as his ongoing financial difficulties continue to unfold. The 51-year-old actor, best known for playing Steve McDonald in the long-running ITV soap, is currently repaying a substantial £250,000 loan he took from his now-liquidated production company.
Financial Struggles and Repayment Plan
After liquidating Simon Gregson Productions Ltd in 2023, the actor was left with significant debts totalling £165,000 owed to HMRC and Coutts bank. He has since been making monthly repayments of £1,500 towards these obligations. According to recent reports, Gregson has repaid approximately £18,000 over the past twelve months, but liquidators have advised that the outstanding balance must be settled within 36 months, potentially requiring the sale of his property.
Derby Fan Event Details
The upcoming event in Derby, titled 'Paul Cowland hosts an audience with Simon Gregson,' offers fans the opportunity to meet the actor for £25 per ticket. For an additional £12, attendees can enjoy a curry meal and drinks during the meet-and-greet session. The event poster promotes an evening of conversation about Gregson's life, his passion for cars, and his experiences on the Coronation Street set, promising "laughs, drinks and good food" at Great Northern Classics venue.
Production Company Liquidation Complications
Simon Gregson Productions Ltd reportedly incurred winding-down costs of £51,000, exceeding the established cap of £44,000. Liquidators from Begbies Traynor have indicated that they have been unable to conclude their duties due to the outstanding balance on the director's loan account, meaning the administration process will continue into the next period. The firm stated they have received £18,000 in repayments during the review period, consistent with the settlement agreement terms.
Personal Life Clarifications
Amid these financial challenges, Gregson was forced to refute claims last year that he had separated from his wife, Emma Gleave. The confusion arose when court documentation referred to Emma as his "estranged wife," which sources close to the couple attributed to a "court paper error." They emphasised that the pair remain together and were puzzled by the incorrect designation in the financial paperwork.
Early Career Impact and Mental Health
Simon Gregson first appeared on Coronation Street in December 1989 at just fifteen years old, quickly becoming a household name as millions watched his character Steve McDonald's teenage exploits. The actor has previously spoken about the detrimental effect his sudden fame had on his mental health, noting that unlike current cast members who receive guidance about media attention and public scrutiny, he and co-star Nicholas Cochrane were given no such support when they joined the show.
Gregson has expressed that the thought of his own children experiencing similar pressures upsets him greatly, describing how young actors were essentially "dropped in the middle of the ocean at fifteen and left to swim to shore" without adequate preparation for the spotlight. Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Simon Gregson for comment regarding his current financial situation and upcoming events.
