Coronation Street stalwart Simon Gregson, one of the most recognisable faces on British television, is facing a very different kind of drama away from the cobbles

as financial pressures force him to seek new ways to stay afloat. The 51-year-old actor, who has played mechanic-turned-businessman Steve McDonald since 1989, is reportedly turning

to public speaking events — complete with curry nights — as he works to clear a substantial debt linked to his collapsed production company.

According to reports, Gregson is currently repaying a debt of around £165,000 owed to HMRC and Coutts bank after his company, Simon Gregson Productions, went into liquidation in 2023. The situation stems from a £250,000 loan the actor previously took out from the firm, a decision that has now left long-term financial consequences despite decades of success on one of ITV’s biggest shows.

Documents relating to the liquidation reveal that Gregson is paying the outstanding balance back in monthly instalments of £1,500, a steady but demanding commitment that highlights the scale of the challenge he is facing. While he has already repaid £18,000 over the past year, the road ahead remains daunting, with warnings that any remaining balance could ultimately have to be settled through the sale of his property if it is not cleared within 36 months.

Against this backdrop, the actor is stepping into the spotlight in a different way. Next month, Gregson is scheduled to appear as the guest speaker at a ticketed event in Derby, described as “Paul Cowland hosts an audience with Simon Gregson.” The evening, which costs £25 to attend, offers fans the chance to hear the soap legend talk candidly about his life, career, and passions. For an additional £12, attendees can enjoy a curry and a drink during a meet-and-greet — bringing the total cost of the night to £37.

Promotional material for the event leans heavily into Gregson’s long-running Coronation Street legacy and his well-known love of cars. “Coronation Street legend and petrol head Simon Gregson comes to Derby!” the poster reads. “Chatting about his life, his love of cars and his experiences on the cobbles. Enjoy an event of laughs, drinks and good food at Great Northern Classics.”

For fans, it is a rare opportunity to connect with one of Weatherfield’s most enduring characters. For Gregson, it appears to be part of a broader effort to rebuild financial stability while continuing to engage with the audience that has supported him for more than three decades.

The financial troubles trace back to the collapse of Simon Gregson Productions, which entered liquidation two years ago. In addition to the director’s loan, the company reportedly incurred £51,000 in winding-down costs, despite a £44,000 cap being in place. This discrepancy has raised eyebrows and contributed to delays in closing the case.

Liquidators Begbies Traynor confirmed in a statement that progress has been made, but the matter is far from resolved. “We have received £18,000 during the year under review in respect of the overdrawn Directors loan account which is in line with the terms of the settlement agreement,” they said. “We have been unable to conclude our duties during this period, in view of the balance outstanding on the Directors loan account. Consequently, the administration of the case will continue into the next period.”

Despite the financial strain, Gregson remains a prominent and much-loved figure on Coronation Street, where Steve McDonald has been at the heart of countless storylines — from romantic mishaps and business schemes to family crises and comic relief. His longevity on the soap has made him part of the fabric of British television, with viewers watching him grow up on screen since his teenage years.

Away from the cobbles, Gregson’s life has also been marked by reinvention and resilience. He shares three sons with his wife, Emma Gleave, and has spoken openly in the past about personal struggles, including battles with addiction and mental health. In 2022, he surprised audiences by appearing on ITV’s Queen for the Night, undergoing a drag makeover in a show of confidence and self-expression that earned praise from fans.

Those close to the actor say the current financial difficulties have been humbling, but also motivating. Public appearances, speaking events, and fan nights offer not only an additional source of income but also a chance for Gregson to reclaim control of his narrative — engaging directly with audiences rather than retreating from public view.

The situation has inevitably sparked discussion among Coronation Street viewers, many of whom have expressed sympathy for the actor. In an industry often perceived as glamorous and lucrative, Gregson’s experience is a stark reminder that even long-serving stars can face serious financial setbacks, particularly when business ventures go wrong.

As the liquidation process continues and repayments remain ongoing, uncertainty still hangs over the final outcome. The prospect of being forced to sell property to clear the debt looms large, adding emotional weight to an already stressful situation. Yet Gregson’s willingness to face the issue head-on, continue working, and connect with fans suggests a determination not to let the setback define him.

Representatives for Simon Gregson have been approached for comment, but regardless of the final figures, the story marks a dramatic chapter in the life of a soap icon. For now, the man who has weathered countless storms on screen is navigating a very real one off it — proving that even legends of the cobbles are not immune to life’s toughest plot twists.