Dunstone hit for £33m in TalkTalk sell-off

SIR Charles Dunstone saw £33m wiped off the value of his TalkTalk shares after the firm crashed into the red.

The 52-year-old businessman, who owns nearly a third of the internet provider he set up in 2003, is spearheading efforts to revive its fortunes having taken over as executive chairman in February. But his turnaround plan suffered a bruising setback yesterday as TalkTalk posted a £75m loss for the six months to September 30.

Shares tumbled 17pc in early trading before closing down 6pc or 11.3p at 178.2p.

That cut the value of Dunstone’s 294m shares in the company by £33m to £524m.