ITV Coronation Street star died broke and on benefits despite 22-year soap stint
A Coronation Street actor died penniless and on benefits despite starring on the ITV show for two decades, according to reports. Peter Adamson was known to fans of the long-running ITV soap as Len Fairclough.
He first appeared on Coronation Street in 1961 and would go on to remain there until 1983, a 22-year stint, racking up 1,730 episodes. Peter spent his final years as a 'virtual recluse' after his acting career ended in the 80s.
When he passed away at the age of 72 at his home in Bury, he was close to the breadline. Coronation Street was Peter's last acting job as he was then accused of indecently assaulting two eight-year-old girls at Haslingden Baths, where he was working as a part-time swimming instructor.
He was acquitted of the charges at Burnley Crown Court but then went on to sell a number of 'inside stories' to the press in a bid to clear his £120k legal bill, reports the Mirror.
He would claim that during one, while he was drunk, he was persuaded to change his story. He was alleged to have said to one journalist: "I am totally guilty of everything the police said... But what I hope you will print – there was no sexual intent."
After he was reinterviewed by police over the 'confession', which Adamson denied, no further action was taken when the reporter in question said he had "mislaid" the tapes. However, Adamson was instantly axed by Corrie bosses, losing his £10,000 a year salary, around £190,000 in today's money.
Len Fairclough was killed in a motorway accident after apparently visiting a mistress to ensure no viewer sympathy.
Adamson went to Canada to start a new life but came back to the UK shortly after and was declared bankrupt in 1991. With no cash coming in, he lived in a rented flat and relied on benefits as he was unable to find work. He did have some roles on radio and in a West End production of Dial M for Murder, as well as a stint in Vanburgh's The Relapse in 1988.
When he died penniless, it wasn't the first time he had been facing financial issues, as was revealed in legal documents during his trial.
The actor, who was reported to be a "hellraiser" and a heavy drinker throughout his working life, owed thousands to the Inland Revenue by the late 1960s.
He'd also been suspended from Coronation Street in 1969 due to his drinking. Adamson's wife Jean died soon after his court appearance.
The actor left behind two sons when he passed away in 2002.
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