Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard is being investigated by HMRC over £100,000 tax bill

Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard is under scrutiny by HMRC over an unpaid tax bill of £100,000. The acting firm she directs was established to manage her earnings post-Corrie and entered voluntary liquidation last year, leaving a debt of £101,554 in outstanding tax and VAT.

Beverley and her husband Jon McEwan have also not repaid £114,000 in director's loans from their company, JMBJ Limited. Administrators are now investigating the business, including the couple's failure to repay these loans.

They are also probing her non-payment of tax debts. Liquidators confirmed in recent documents that neither the loans nor the tax bills have been paid back, reports the Mirror.

They stated: "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."

Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, is wrestling with a tax bill nearing at £546,000. Beverley, who portrayed the character of Liz McDonald in Corrie from 1989 until 2020, candidly talked about her departure from the soap opera last year.

While appearing on the How to be 60 podcast last year, Bev opened up about what made her stick with the show and what eventually led her to leave. She elaborated: "I just felt that the scripts weren't what they used to be. I'm trying to be diplomatic."

When quizzed by the hosts if she managed to quit before the work started draining her enthusiasm and dulling her spirit. She clarified: "I wasn't miserable; it's difficult to put into words. But years ago, we used to get the scripts, and you'd open them and think, 'Oh my goodness, this is amazing. I cannot believe I'm going to be filming this! ' and then for me, well, first of all, they didn't write for me as much because I was older, and that really got to me."

Beverley Callard's representative, on her behalf, issued a statement saying: "Many of these details are incorrect but due to the fact that Jon and I are in a legal dispute, sadly I cannot speak about it at this time - but when it is resolved, and it will be, I will talk about it and look forward to setting the record straight."