British actor Robert Glenister, renowned for his roles in hit BBC dramas Spooks and Sherwood, has disclosed the devastating financial and health consequences of a prolonged legal dispute with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The 65-year-old was forced to remortgage his house after being presented with a staggering retrospective tax bill.
The 'Horrendous' HMRC Tribunal
In a candid interview, Glenister described the legal fight as "one of the worst times" in his life. The ordeal, which lasted for over four years, centred on a ruling by HMRC that reclassified him and approximately 60 other actors from freelancers to employees. This decision meant he was liable for back-dated National Insurance contributions, reportedly totalling around £150,000.
"I didn't mind the changing of the rules [and paying], but making it retrospective was unfair," Glenister told the i Paper. He lost his tribunal against the tax authority, a verdict that plunged him into a "horrendous" period of financial strain, ultimately leading him to secure a new mortgage on his home.
Health Collapse and On-Stage Blackout
The immense stress from the situation took a severe toll on his mental and physical health. Glenister confessed that the worry was constant, occupying his thoughts daily for years. This culminated in a terrifying incident where he blacked out and fainted on stage during a West End performance.
"It led to me blacking out on stage in the West End," he revealed. The show was cancelled that night, and the incident recurred after a press night. The actor admitted, "I just thought: 'I can't do this.'" He took a week off but found he could never fully relax, struggling with concentration during subsequent plays.
Lasting Anger and Financial Insecurity
Despite the passage of time, Glenister continues to be plagued by "so much anger" over the affair. He expressed frustration at the common assumption that television actors are universally wealthy, stating that this is "not the case". The financial repercussions are ongoing; he believes he will have to sell his remortgaged house in a couple of years because he simply cannot afford to pay it off.
The fear of a similar on-stage episode also lingers, a particularly painful concern for an actor whose ambitions were rooted in theatre. His story highlights the profound and lasting impact that complex tax disputes can have on individuals, far beyond the immediate financial cost.
