Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard probed over £100k tax bill by HMRC

Legend of the cobbles Beverley Callard is under investigation by HMRC over a hefty tax bill.

The actor is known for playing barmaid Liz McDonald in the long-running ITV soap from 1989 until 2020. After leaving the show, her acting company - of which she is a director - was set up to handle her pay.

Last year, it went into voluntary liquidation last year owing HMRC £101,554 in outstanding tax and VAT.

The Mirror reports Beverley and husband Jon McEwan have also failed to repay £114,000 in director's loans they took out from the company, called JMBJ Limited. Administrators have started an investigation into the business, including looking into the couple's failure to repay the loans.

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They have also investigated her failure to repay the tax debts. Liquidators confirmed in new documents that the directors have not paid back any of the loans or the tax bills. They said: "We carried out an initial review of the company's affairs, including seeking information and explanations from the directors by means of questionnaires, making enquiries of the company's accountants, examining company bank statements and other records.

"This initial assessment revealed matters that the liquidators considered merited further investigation in relation to the director's loans. As a result, the liquidators have undertaken further reviews. They are making enquiries with the directors in relation to the outstanding balance owed.

"Insufficient funds have been realised to allow a distribution to creditors at this stage. Due to the ongoing investigations, it is currently uncertain whether there will be sufficient funds for a distribution to creditors."

Current Corrie star Bill Roache, known to millions as Ken Barlow, is currently fighting to pay at £546,000 tax bill.