Coronation Street Star's Tragic Fall from Wealth to Penury

Peter Adamson, who played iconic character Len Fairclough on Coronation Street for 22 years, died penniless and on benefits in 2002 at the age of 72. Despite his long-running stint on the popular ITV soap, Adamson's life took a downward turn in the 1980s after he was accused of indecently assaulting two young girls. Although acquitted, the incident led to his sacking from the show and a subsequent move to Canada. Adamson's financial struggles continued even after he returned to the UK in 1991, and he was declared bankrupt, living in a rent flat on benefits. His heavy drinking habits and accumulated debt issues worsened after the death of his wife, with the actor eventually receiving benefits until his death.

Key Takeaways:

• Peter Adamson played Len Fairclough on Coronation Street for 22 years, from 1961 to 1983, appearing in 1,730 episodes.
• Adamson was accused of indecently assaulting two eight-year-old girls in 1983 and was acquitted after allegedly changing his story, but his career suffered as a result.
• The incident led to his sacking from Coronation Street and he moved to Canada, but returned to the UK in 1991.
• Adamson was declared bankrupt and lived in a rent flat on benefits, receiving £10,000 per year during his time on the show is equivalent to around £190,000 in today's money.
• He struggled with heavy drinking and accumulated debt issues, including owing thousands to the Inland Revenue by the late 1960s.
• Adamson was suspended from Coronation Street in 1969 due to his drinking and was eventually written out of the show after the incident.
• He continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in radio productions and a West End theater production of Dial M for Murder.

Statistics:

• Peter Adamson appeared in 1,730 episodes of Coronation Street over 22 years.
• Adamson received £10,000 per year for his role on Coronation Street, equivalent to around £190,000 in today's money.
• He accumulated debt issues, including owing thousands to the Inland Revenue by the late 1960s.
• Adamson was suspended from Coronation Street in 1969 for 3 years.

Sources:

• Mirror: "Corrie actor's tragic fall from wealth to penury: Star died penniless and on benefits despite two decades on the soap"
• Daily Record: "Coronation Street star's life in penury after indecent assault allegations"
• BBC: "Peter Adamson: Coronation Street actor dies at 72"