Katie Price, the former glamour model who was declared bankrupt for the second time in March 2023 due to an unpaid tax bill exceeding £760,000, has secured a lucrative pantomime role this Christmas. Despite her financial woes, Price has negotiated a substantial £50,000 fee for her appearance in a production of Cinderella at Northwich Memorial Court. She will be starring alongside fellow reality TV personality Kerry Katona, with both playing the wicked step-sisters. Sources close to Price indicate that she is aware of her market value and expertly negotiated the five-figure sum. Organizers of the pantomime are reportedly pleased with the public response to the casting, deeming the expenditure a worthwhile investment. The pairing of Price and Katona has generated significant interest, with the theatre announcing record-breaking ticket sales within a single day following the casting announcement in September.
Price’s financial struggles have been well-documented. Her first bankruptcy declaration in 2019 stemmed from debts exceeding £3.2 million owed to creditors, including HMRC, her mortgage lender, and various small businesses. Despite this setback, and the subsequent second bankruptcy, Price has secured this well-compensated pantomime role, demonstrating her continued marketability within the entertainment industry. The substantial fee will provide a much-needed financial boost during the festive season, contrasting starkly with her ongoing financial difficulties. This engagement underscores the enduring appeal of recognizable figures like Price, particularly within the realm of pantomime, where familiar faces often draw large audiences.
The news of Price’s panto earnings comes after her co-star, Kerry Katona, experienced a setback during rehearsals. Katona was temporarily sent home due to slurred speech, a side effect of strong painkillers she was taking following a car accident. She shared this incident with her fans via social media, explaining that the medication impacted her ability to speak clearly. This incident highlights the physical and logistical challenges sometimes faced by performers during demanding production schedules, particularly during the busy pantomime season.
Price’s financial journey has been a rollercoaster, from an estimated peak fortune of £45 million to multiple bankruptcies. Her wealth, amassed through modelling, book deals, and television appearances, dwindled over the years. She attributed her financial downfall to various factors, including supporting the lavish lifestyles of her ex-husbands, legal fees, and tax liabilities. In a podcast interview, Price specifically cited her ex-partners Peter Andre, Alex Reid, and Kieran Hayler, along with legal expenses, as significant contributors to her financial difficulties, acknowledging HMRC as another factor. She described experiencing a period of depression that exacerbated her financial struggles, leading to a cycle of avoidance and inaction.
The second bankruptcy declaration in March 2023 related to an unpaid tax bill of over £760,000. Price failed to appear at a High Court hearing regarding her finances, opting instead to holiday in Cyprus with her partner. Adding to her woes, Price’s infamous “Mucky Mansion” property has been plagued by issues, including burglary, flooding, and septic tank problems, ultimately forcing her to vacate the premises and rent a different property in Sussex. This series of unfortunate events has painted a picture of significant financial and personal challenges for the former glamour model.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Price securing a £50,000 pantomime role signifies her resilience and continued presence in the public eye. While her financial struggles persist, this engagement offers a glimmer of hope and a temporary reprieve from her ongoing financial burdens. It remains to be seen how Price will manage her finances moving forward, but her participation in this Christmas pantomime provides a platform for income and a chance to reconnect with her audience in a festive setting. The substantial fee will undoubtedly contribute to alleviating some of her immediate financial pressures, allowing her to focus on her performance and enjoy the festive season.
