Barrymore files for bankruptcy over tax bill

6.00pm

British entertainer Michael Barrymore has filed for voluntary bankruptcy in England.

Barrymore, who now lives in New Zealand, said through his personal assistant, Chrissie Smith, that his insolvency had been brought about by an Inland Revenue bill which was unforeseen by his previous advisers and accumulated over a 10-year period.

"Mr Barrymore was assured by his previous advisers at the end of each financial year that he and his company (Barryclair Ltd) had paid all taxes owing," Ms Smith said today.

"The additional substantial liability to the Inland Revenue was unexpected and has left Mr Barrymore with no choice but to file for bankruptcy and place his company into voluntary liquidation."

Barrymore is now being advised by Nick Oliver, the head of the London Insolvency and Business Recovery Team at solicitors Blake Lapthorn Linnell.

Earlier this month Barrymore announced he had settled a dispute with the British television network that dumped him before he emigrated to New Zealand.

"I am relieved to announce that after 2-1/2 years, my arbitration with London Weekend Television has finally been settled," Barrymore said through Ms Smith.

London Weekend Television is owned by the ITV Granada television network.

Barrymore, 52, arrived in New Zealand late last year with plans to re-launch his career. He was awarded residency in March.

The family of Stuart Lubbock, 31, who was found dead in Barrymore's swimming pool in Essex three years ago, is suing him for Stg100,000 ($NZ287,500) for failing in his duty of care towards Mr Lubbock, Britain's BBC reported in March.

Mr Lubbock was found to have died of serious internal injuries, with evidence suggestive of sexual abuse.

While an open verdict was recorded at an inquest into the death and no charges laid, the entertainer's career took a nosedive as he was hounded by the British media and dropped by ITV.

- NZPA