Treasured BBC Star’s Possessions Auctioned to Settle Debts Following Their Passing

Beloved BBC chef Clarissa Dickson Wright died with virtually no money to her name, with her possessions being sold at auction to settle a tax bill she left behind after her death. The renowned cook had only £9000 in her bank account when she died in March 2014 at the age of 66, according to records. Despite squandering a £2.8million inheritance during years of heavy drinking, the Two Fat Ladies star still owed £17,000 to HM Revenue and Customs. However, after her cherished mementos were auctioned off, raising approximately £40,000, her goddaughter Sara Wain-Heapy inherited £33,000.

Fans purchased 400 lots, including a sketch by the chef’s artist friend Joseph Oppenheimer, which fetched £300. Other items included a gun-cleaning kit, bought for £50, and 19th-century kitchen tools, which sold for £30.

A tartan piggy bank even found a new home for £20. The auction was organised by Thomson, Roddick and Medcalf of Carlisle. Close friend and solicitor Derek Morris stated yesterday that the troubled presenter, who resided in Inveresk, Midlothian, was determined to leave money for her family. He added: “She was very anxious that she wanted to be in the black when she died”, reports the Daily Record.

“We did quite well in the sale, which meant she was solvent. It’s what she wanted.

“It has been well documented that she had problems with money during her life. She had high earnings from her broadcasting and books but she was also very generous to people.

“She was such a delightful character. I knew her for years and I was pleased to help sort out her estate.”

At the tender age of 21, Clarissa became the youngest barrister in Britain before transitioning into a culinary career.

Inheriting a whopping £2.8million from her mother in 1975, she squandered it all within 12 years due to her battle with alcoholism and was declared bankrupt thrice.

The quirky chef eventually overcame her alcohol addiction and remained sober for an impressive 27 years.

In 1996, she joined forces with Jennifer Paterson for the BBC2 culinary programme Two Fat Ladies, which saw the duo travelling across the country on a motorbike with a sidecar.

They produced four series until Jennifer tragically passed away from lung cancer in 1999 at the age of 71.

Clarissa later alleged that she was given the boot by the BBC after her pro-hunting views infuriated then-prime minister Tony Blair.