Legendary BBC star quits as landlord of pub after 10 years leaving beloved boozer at threat of closure

A BBC star has stepped down from managing his pub – leaving the boozer at risk of closing down.

Ex-Waterloo Road and Men Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey has run the Plume of Feathers in North Staffordshire for 10 years.

But a company led by Neil and shareholders Richard Slingsby and John Sykes lead has now decided against renewing its lease with Punch Pubs, Stoke Sentinel reports.

The pub is now seeking a new landlord to stave off closure.

A spokesman for Morrissey's MSW Group said: “Neil Morrissey and the directors would like to thank Punch for their support over the past decade and offer their best wishes to the management and staff at the Plume of Feathers for continued success in the future.”

Punch Pubs chief executive Andy Spencer added: “We would like to thank Neil, Richard, and John for their hard work and dedication over the past 10 years in making the Plume of Feathers an exceptional pub business.

“Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in its success, and we wish them all the very best in their new venture.

“As we look to the future, our priority remains ensuring that the Plume of Feathers continues to thrive at the heart of the community for many years to come.”

Morrissey shot to fame in the 90s as the hapless Tony in iconic comedy Men Behaving Badly.

The actor has since switched to more serious roles, and has enjoyed an incredible career on TV.

Neil also featured in popular school dramaWaterloo Roadand gripping BBC miniseries, The Night Manager.

He also starred in the BBC showsThe Pilgrimage,andThe Pact, and had a starring role in series 3ITV's Unforgotten.

Since 2017 Neil has plays the character of bar owner Greg McConnell in The Good Karma Hospital.

In 2023 the actor traced his roots with onITV's DNA Journey.

Neil has one child, a son called Sam Morrissey.

He welcomed his only offspring with his now ex-wife Amanda.

It is understood Sam was born in 1989.

As of 2023 he has an estimated net worth of around £5M.