Loose Women Star Lynda Bellingham ‘Had Debts Of £1.7 Million When She Died’

Loose Women star Lynda Bellingham had around £1.7million of debts when she died, it has been claimed.

Ms Bellingham, best known for playing the Oxo mum in the 1980s TV adverts, passed away following a brave battle with bowel cancer in October 2014 at the age of 66.

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And while the actress left an estate worth £1.9 million – a High Court document has reportedly revealed that its real value stands at just £166,000.

According to the Daily Mail, a probate expert said that the difference between the two figures is “almost certainly” due to outstanding debts.

Andrew Kidd of Clintons Solicitors, which specialises in wills and tax law, told the publication: “There is obviously a lot of debt. This could relate to anything from mortgages to any kind of money owed.”

He also claimed that the legal document that revealed the value of Ms Bellingham’s estate was only issued when a dispute arose over her will.

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Lynda’s two sons Michael Peluso, 32, and brother Robbie, 27, have been locked in a bitter battle with stepdad Michael Pattemore over the estate.

The brothers have made a series of shocking claims against the property developer (Lynda’s third husband), accusing him of squandering large amounts of money on lavish holidays and a luxurious lifestyle after her death, which he has disputed.

Lynda and Michael (dubbed “Mr Spain” on Loose Women) were married for six years, from 2008 until her death.