People often assume that famous faces in the entertainment world are financially stable. While that is usually true, the lavish lifestyle and glitzy parties aren't always what they seem. Unexpected circumstances happen in life that make it difficult to pull back when times get tough, and for these BBC stars, their fortunes didn't last forever. Some of these individuals had fame and fortune beyond most people's wildest dreams - yet when they died, they were all either completely penniless or faced heartbreaking money woes.

We've compiled some of the BBC's biggest names over the years, where, for some, a dramatic reversal of fortune occurred, and it wasn't simply a case of their stardom fading over time.

Trace left Blue Peter in 1967 and took a gamble on a new business venture that ultimately cost him his life savings. Before he died, he did a number of odd jobs, including being a taxi driver. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> Lena Zavaroni first found fame at the age of nine, after appearing on the BBC talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1974.

She also sang alongside Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball at a Hollywood charity show, attracting the attention of music producers. However, years later, Lena sadly suffered a breakdown on stage while performing in Merseyside and was later diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.

She later experienced numerous tragic events as her mother died of an overdose and her showbiz memorabilia was lost in a fire. Lena then got a leucotomy surgery, but lost her life three weeks later.

Lena was only four stone at the time of her death. An inquest also stated she was on a £48-a-week benefits plan at the time.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> Keith died in 2015 after battling spleen cancer.

He reached No. 4 in the music charts in 1982 with "Orville's Song," thanks to his music and TV work, which earned him millions.

However, he revealed in 2014: "I've made about £7m throughout my career, but I've lost it all too. It's all down to the dyslexia. I can't read or write. Reading contracts? I didn't, I just signed them."

Harris ended up working at Butlin's resorts and in the theatre to make ends meet. He died in hospital in April 2015, aged 67.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> James Bond and BBC star tragically lost his life, and his body was found at Splash Point cliffs in Seaford, East Sussex, in July 2013.

His partner Emma McKie said in a statement that he was a "protective man and he couldn't have handled the bankruptcy becoming public knowledge".

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="BBC" data-licensor-name="BBC" /> BBC chef Clarissa Dickson Wright died with little money to her name.

The renowned cook had only £9,000 in her bank account when she died in March 2014 at the age of 66.

However, after her mementos were auctioned off, raising approximately £40,000, her goddaughter, Sara Wain-Heapy, inherited £33,000.

The Two Fat Ladies star still owed £17,000 to HM Revenue and Customs when she died.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Getty" data-licensor-name="Getty" /> Frank Butcher on EastEnders.

He died in 2007, at just 67 after a suspected heart attack. It was reported that Reid had forfeited both his wealth and, as he put it himself, "everything that mattered."

In 1990, his youngest son, Mark, who had battled serious mental health problems for years, murdered a friend before taking his own life.

Months afterwards, Reid's granddaughter - Mark's daughter - tragically passed away from cot death. His financial situation also crumbled.

A bad investment in Spain destroyed much of his wealth and left not just him but members of his extended family struggling to make ends meet.

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