Ireland’s beloved panto queen Twink is locked in a desperate legal battle to save her 400-year-old family home after a vulture fund moved to repossess the historic property. The High Court has issued repossession proceedings against the 75-year-old entertainer, real name Adele King, marking the latest chapter in a years-long financial struggle that has left her “heartbroken and devastated.”

The High Court Battle: What We Know

Pepper Finance, the current holder of Twink’s mortgage, initiated legal action last week to repossess Idrone House in Knocklyon, a south Dublin landmark where the entertainer has lived since 1989. Friends close to Twink told the Irish Mirror she was “up the walls” after receiving the court summons, which came “out of the blue.”

Neither Twink nor her legal team have publicly confirmed their strategy, but sources say she is “taking legal advice” and is expected to fight the case. “She is a strong woman, and I would expect her to fight this all the way,” one friend said. “This has been her home for decades—she has nowhere else to live.”

The property, believed to be worth around €1.5 million, is a fraction of the mortgage and arrears owed, according to court filings reported by The Irish Independent. Despite its value, Twink has resisted selling, telling friends the house holds irreplaceable family memories. “She loves her home and is reluctant to sell it,” a source said. “All her family memories are there.”

A Decade of Financial Struggles

This isn’t the first time Twink has faced the threat of losing Idrone House. In a 2015 interview with Brendan O’Connor on RTÉ Radio, she tearfully predicted the outcome now unfolding. “I foresee having to part with it, which will—oh my God—I can’t even talk about it,” she said, her voice breaking. “I love the house so much. I’ve admired it since I was a small child. It’s been part of Rathfarnham.”

At the time, Twink, then 64, admitted she was “working all the hours that God gave” to keep up with repayments but feared downsizing was inevitable. “It’s heartbreaking when people say ‘just bloody sell it,’” she said. “It’s not quite that simple. It’s a complex matter.”

Her financial woes have been compounded by the sale of her mortgage to a vulture fund—a practice that has drawn criticism in Ireland for targeting homeowners in arrears. “She can’t understand how the mortgage for her family residence was sold to a vulture fund,” a friend told the Irish Mirror. The case is set to return to the High Court this summer, where Twink will have the opportunity to present her side.

The Human Cost of Ireland’s Housing Crisis

Twink’s plight has struck a chord with the public, highlighting the broader housing crisis in Ireland, where vulture funds have become a contentious issue. These firms, often foreign-owned, purchase distressed mortgages at discounted rates and aggressively pursue repossession to recoup profits. Critics argue the practice disproportionately targets vulnerable homeowners, while supporters claim it helps stabilize the financial sector.

For Twink, the battle is deeply personal. In recent months, she has faced a series of setbacks, including the tragic death of her beloved parrot Timberlake in December 2025 during rehearsals for Alan Hughes’ Christmas pantomime. Friends say she is “inconsolable” over the loss, adding to the emotional toll of the eviction threat.

What Happens Next?

Twink’s case is expected to draw significant media attention when it returns to court later this year. Legal experts suggest she may explore several options:

• Negotiating a settlement: Reaching a repayment plan with Pepper Finance to avoid repossession.
• Challenging the legality of the mortgage sale: Arguing the transfer to the vulture fund was improper.
• Seeking public or private financial support: Crowdfunding or loans to clear the arrears.

For now, Twink remains in Idrone House, but the clock is ticking. “She’s hoping some sort of deal can be reached,” a friend said. “But she’s not going down without a fight.”

Key Takeaways

• Twink (Adele King) is fighting to save her 400-year-old home, Idrone House, after Pepper Finance initiated repossession proceedings.
• The property is valued at €1.5 million, but the mortgage and arrears are a fraction of that amount.
• Twink has lived in the house since 1989 and has resisted selling due to its sentimental value.
• She previously predicted losing the home in a 2015 interview, calling the prospect “heartbreaking.”
• The case returns to the High Court this summer, with Twink expected to contest the eviction.

FAQ

Why is Twink being evicted?

Pepper Finance, the current holder of her mortgage, has initiated repossession proceedings in the High Court, claiming she has failed to meet repayment obligations. The exact details of the arrears have not been publicly disclosed.

What is a vulture fund?

A vulture fund is a financial firm that purchases distressed debt (such as mortgages in arrears) at a discount and seeks to recover the full value through legal action, often leading to repossession. These funds have been controversial in Ireland for their role in the housing crisis.

Has Twink commented on the case?

Twink has not made a public statement about the repossession proceedings. Friends and legal representatives have spoken on her behalf, indicating she is “heartbroken” and seeking legal advice.

What are Twink’s options?

She could negotiate a repayment plan with Pepper Finance, challenge the legality of the mortgage sale, or seek financial support to clear the arrears. The case is expected to be heard in the High Court later this year.

A Fight for Home and History

Twink’s battle to save Idrone House is more than a legal dispute—it’s a fight to preserve a piece of Irish cultural history. The 400-year-old property has been a backdrop to her life and career, from raising her family to hosting generations of fans. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind Ireland’s housing crisis and the often-ruthless tactics of vulture funds.

For now, the panto queen remains in limbo, her future in the home she loves hanging in the balance. One thing is certain: Twink won’t go quietly.