When the property market was at its height, Blue star Duncan James, 35, began to establish a property portfolio in an attempt to secure a profitable future for his family.

The lavish real estate purchases included one property for his own use, priced at around £1 million.

After investing in the set of properties, he soon lost his fortune when the market collapsed – as all three homes dramatically decreased in value, reported the Daily Mail.

He filed for bankruptcy on September 12 under his real name Duncan Inglis, despite earning millions within his time with the iconic British pop band – after struggling to pay off a series of property-backed loans.

As a result of his financial loss, like his mother, Duncan now lives in rented accommodation.
Duncan said: “I've always wanted to give my loved ones roofs over their heads and make sure they were taken care of, so that's what I did.”

"Unfortunately - and I was far from the only person hit by it - the property crash came and I lost a lot of money. And now I've had to sell the home I bought for my mum. That's been the most heartbreaking part for me.”

"Before I went bankrupt, I had been trying to pay off loans for years and felt as if I was drowning.”

"In some strange way, it's actually a relief to have been declared bankrupt. It means I can start again,"

Duncan is the second Blue star to experience money troubles. Antony Costa claimed he was struggling to pay bills when Blue split up in 2005. The band regrouped briefly in 2009.

Even though, Blue’s company, Blueworld, went to administration in May the band is still preparing for a UK tour starting this October.

Picture: Christoph, the curly German