ITV Coronation Street favourite Jennie McAlpine has been plunged into a serious financial predicament following the devastating collapse of her restaurant venture. The actress, who has played the beloved character Fiz Brown for over two decades, is facing debts reportedly soaring into six figures.
The trouble stems from the closure of her family-run restaurant, Annie's, located in Manchester. The establishment, a favourite amongst locals and soap fans alike, was forced to shut its doors last year. Newly filed documents have now revealed the stark financial aftermath of its failure.
A Wave of Unpaid Debts
According to the official notice of affairs filed by the administrator, the restaurant's downfall has left a trail of unpaid bills. The documents list a slew of creditors who are unlikely to recoup their losses.
- HM Revenue & Customs: Owed a significant £21,600 in unpaid taxes.
- Manchester City Council: Owed over £3,300 in business rates.
- Multiple suppliers and local businesses: Left out of pocket, with one food supplier owed nearly £1,400.
The total deficiency to unsecured creditors is stated to be a staggering £109,421. The report confirms that after the liquidation of all assets, there will be “no funds available for the shareholders” – meaning Jennie and her co-director husband, Chris Farr.
From Cobbles to Kitchen Nightmares
McAlpine, a mainstay on the UK's most famous street, had ventured into the hospitality business with high hopes. Named after her daughter, Annie's offered classic British fare and was often promoted by her co-stars. Its closure marks a difficult chapter for the actress outside of her successful acting career, highlighting the precarious nature of the restaurant industry, especially following the pandemic's economic shocks.
While her character Fiz battles storylines on screen, Jennie is now navigating a real-life financial drama. The administration process confirms the company's insolvency, with its assets insufficient to cover the money owed. For the creditors, the outcome is a bitter one, with the administrator's report indicating they will receive nothing from the company's estate.
