Fans of The Hardacres may be surprised to learn that actress Claire Cooper, who plays Mary Hardacre, is married to a well-known television star. The couple, who met on the set of Hollyoaks, have been together since 2010 and married in 2015.
The Hardacres Returns for Second Series
The Hardacres is returning to Channel 5 for a second series, continuing the story of the Yorkshire family. Based on the novel series by CL Skelton, the first series aired in 2024 and became an instant hit with viewers. The plot follows the Hardacre family as they rise from poverty to become herring merchants and navigate high society. The second series will explore their journey as they adjust to wealth in 1895.
A synopsis for the show teases: "Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations."
Claire Cooper's Career and Marriage
Claire Cooper, 45, is best known for playing Jacqui McQueen on Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2013, with a brief return in 2023. She has also appeared in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Snatch, Knightfall, and Suspects. She met her husband, Emmett J. Scanlan, on the set of Hollyoaks in 2010. The pair married on New Year's Eve 2015 in New York.
Emmett J. Scanlan played Brendan Brady on Hollyoaks from 2010 to 2013. Since leaving the soap, he has built a successful career with roles in Kin, Mobland, A Working Man, Unforgotten, The Fall, Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London, and Fool Me Once.
The couple have two children together, Ocean and Fiáin, and Emmett has a daughter, Kayla, from a previous relationship.
Claire's Tribute to Her Husband
Earlier this year, Claire paid tribute to Emmett on his birthday with a sweet Instagram post. She shared a series of photos, including a selfie of the couple, and wrote: "Happy birthday to my twin flame, my constant, my chaos, my whirlwind... You are light. You are magic. You are fire."
The post received compliments from fans and fellow actors, including Roma Downey.
The Hardacres returns on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.
