Actor Steve Coogan has taken the decision to furlough his gardener and his housekeeper at cost to the tax payer mind the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Alan Partridge star employs the two members of staff full time – a gardener and housekeeper – at his sprawling £4million estate in the South of England.
The luxury home boasts a swimming room and a tennis court.
While Steve is said to be worth around £10 million.
The revelation comes just months after he boasted how he “didn’t “get anything for free,” adding: “I pay for everything.”
Steve Coogan has furloughed his gardener and housekeeper (Image: BBC Children in Need/Comic Relie)
A source told The Sun: “The workers are gutted they can’t make it in because of the coronavirus situation.
“It was established it wouldn’t be possible to continue working with the social distancing measures in place.
“So Coogan took advantage of the furlough scheme while they’re unable to come in.”
Steve Coogan is said to be worth £10million (Image: Getty Images)
Hitting out at Coogan’s decision to rely on the tax payer despite his private wealth, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added to the publication: “The furlough scheme is to protect businesses that are suspended and can’t operate during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’d be difficult to see how Steve Coogan’s earning potential has been diminished. The grass is still growing in his back garden and his house still needs cleaning.”
Steve Coogan employs the two members of staff full time on his estate (Image: PA)
When contacted by The Sun Steve Coogan did not comment on furloughing his staff.
He said: “This non-story has more to do with my legal actions against the publishers of The Sun and campaign for press reform than anything else.”
A rep for Steve Coogan has been contacted by Daily Star Online for further comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
