Hollyoaks' Claire Cooper and Emmett Scanlan to close down Chester bakery

Hollyoaks actors Claire Cooper and her husband Emmett Scanlan opened the Doughnut Whisperer in Chester just last year, along with baker Stephanie Reid.

Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength and was even awarded best vegan doughnut at the PETA Vegan Food Awards.

But, now the couple - who played Brendan Brady and Jacqui McQueen inhit Channel Four show Hollyoaks - has announced that their Rufus Court store will be closing.

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The business' last day of trading from the shop will be Saturday, October 8.

A statement on the Doughnut Whisperer Facebook page read: "To all who have supported & devoured our doughnuts - thank you.

"It’s with a heavy heart we will be closing our doors, due to the current economic crisis that the U.K. is facing, unfortunately it has sadly forced our hand to step back … temporarily.

"It gives us time to work with new partners without losing the quality of our outstanding award winning doughnuts.

"You have all been AMAZING you’ve championed us, supported us & given us so much love throughout our mini journey to date, we’ve met incredible customers & colleagues along the way, in fact that always makes a decision such as this even harder.

PIC: The picture which accompanied the Doughnut Whisperer's post.

"Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you to our extraordinary talented team - you are more than we could have ever have hoped for, you have served up the BEST DOUGHNUTS going FACT. You have been family.

"As we find our feet & navigate through this next chapter we want to say cheerio for now but not forever!

"Please celebrate with us by indulging in a final delicious box available online right now, our last order date is the 6th October. Our last day of our shop is the 8th of October so come fill your boots.

"Thank you again for backing a much loved family brand & with much gratitude from everyone at TDW."