SAS: Who Dares Wins' Ant Middleton could face bankruptcy over monster tax bill

22 February 2024 , 21:19

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The ex-special forces soldier is closing down his UK businesses after one went bust owing more than £1.2million – mostly to the tax office (Image: Channel 4)

Former SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton could be facing bankruptcy over a monster tax bill.

The ex-special forces soldier, who was chief instructor on the Channel 4 reality show, is closing down his UK businesses after one went bust owing more than £1.2million – mostly to the tax office.

His company Sway and Starting Ltd, originally called Middleton Global, was forced into liquidation by creditors despite it raking in £4.5m in 2021. The firm’s statement of affairs reveals it was abandoned owing £1,199,000 to HMRC and £3,000 to other creditors.

Before wrapping it up, Ant, 43, took out £2.7m as a director’s loan, with the paperwork noting it was “uncertain” how much would be repaid.

Ant Middleton could be facing bankruptcy over a monster tax bill (HANDOUT TV / FREE TO USE)

Liquidators trying to claim back cash for creditors said in documents filed this week: “We are in correspondence with the director regarding the loan account but a settlement is yet to be reached.

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“If a satisfactory settlement is not able to be reached it will be necessary for me to petition for the director’s bankruptcy.” The accountants are also looking into any possible breaches of the Company Directors Disqualification Act and have sent a report to the Department for Business and Trade.

Reports first surfaced in January saying Ant’s company had gone bust owing £1.2m to the taxman. His spokesman said at the time: “Due to the impact of lockdowns on Ant’s work and associated adverse effects on the company, unfortunately Middleton Global Limited has had to be placed into voluntary liquidation. Ant has an extremely busy year ahead and is focused on his TV work, brand deals, books and events.”

Ant appeared on the Channel 4 show for six years (Channel 4)

Firms listed as Ant’s publicists and agents said yesterday they no longer represent him. Attempts via his website to contact him about the bankruptcy threat did not elicit a comment.

The Mirror revealed in 2021 that Channel 4 had decided not to work with Ant again due to his “personal conduct”. He spent six years on the TV programme, which puts civilians through gruelling military training.

Mark Jefferies