The family of Carry On legend Leslie Phillips is reportedly heading to the High Court over his will, as his estate sues his widow, Zara Carr, 70, for refusing to vacate their £4.4 million marital home in Maida Vale, London.
Phillips, who died in 2022 at age 98, left a £5.3 million fortune and specified that his Edwardian mansion should be sold two years and nine months after his death. That deadline passed in August 2025, but Zara has remained in the property, claiming the actor promised she could live there for life.
Long-Running Dispute
The legal action is the latest chapter in a dispute between Zara and Phillips' four children from his first marriage: Caroline, Claudia, Andrew, and Roger. According to The Sun, the children say they are entitled to the proceeds of the sale, which would go into a trust split between them and Zara.
Phillips' will reportedly leaves each of his four children £50,000 and each of his 15 grandchildren £5,000. Zara was left £155,000, ten personal belongings worth up to £1,500 each, and more than 25% of the trust fund shares. The will also bequeathed his OBE and CBE medals to his grandchildren and a Buddha statue to Zara.
Widow's Claims
Zara has insisted Phillips promised she could stay in the home for the rest of her life and alleges the will was changed without her knowledge to force the sale. She told The Sun: "This is my marital home. I want to live here for the rest of my life, not to move out. Leslie always promised me I could stay here."
Regarding the lawsuit, she said: "I am very surprised. I had no idea about any of this. Leslie's children have not been in touch with me at all. If they want me to come to court, I will do. I will come to court and fight it if I must. I am planning to stay put. I have no plans to move out – this is my home."
Legal Proceedings
The case, filed this week, names the Estate of Leslie Samuel Phillips CBE as the claimant and Zara Phillips as the defendant. It is listed as a Part Eight claim, meaning the parties agree on the substantial facts, and is described as a case about "provision for family/dependants."
Phillips, known for his catchphrases "Ding Dong," "Well, Hello," and "I Say," enjoyed an eight-decade career including roles in the Carry On films and Harry Potter. He married Zara, a Turkish social worker, in 2013.
Express.co.uk has reached out for comment.
