Amanda Abbington, the actress who plays the beloved character Ms. Mardle in the hit ITV series Mr. Selfridge, has declared herself bankrupt. The long-term partner of Martin Freeman apparently owes a tax bill of over £120,000.
Ms. Abbington was declared insolvent in London’s High Court under her birth name, Ms. Amanda Smith. Despite the fact that the star lives with her long-term partner Martin Freeman, the actress was allowed to claim bankruptcy as a single person as the pair are not married.
The couple have been together for over 12 years and, along with their two children, live in a £900,000 mansion in Hertfordshire, according to the Daily Mail. However, once a person is declared bankrupt their debts are written off and the partner, in this case Freeman, is not liable for any of the debt. If Abbington owns a share in the house, this may be considered an asset during the legal proceedings.
Abbington plays the head of accessories, Miss. Mardle, for the popular TV series depicting the founder of Selfridges and Co., who has been caught up lately in a love triangle with Mr. Grove. She has also previously starred in series After You’re Gone and Being Human.
Under UK law, Ms. Abbington will remain bankrupt for 12 months.
