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Mary Hardacre star Claire Cooper is married to a renowned television star, with both actors having appeared in Hollyoaks.

The Hardacres is set to return for a second series on Channel 5, continuing the saga of the Yorkshire family. Based on the novel series by CL Skelton, the programme's first series was broadcast in 2024 and swiftly became a viewer favourite.

The storyline charted the Hardacre family's rise from herring merchants to high society, in an uplifting rags-to-riches tale.

The second series will follow their ongoing journey as The Hardacres adjust to their newfound status after escaping poverty and adapt to the changing landscape of 1895, reports the Mirror.

A synopsis for the programme reveals: "Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations."

Former Hollyoaks star Claire has returned to her role as Mary Hardacre for the eagerly anticipated second season of the period drama.

Beyond the programme, Claire, 45, is renowned for portraying spirited Jacqui McQueen on the Channel 4 soap from 2006 to 2013, before making a short return in 2023.

Claire has also featured in a wide range of other well-loved television programmes, including Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Snatch, Knightfall, and Suspects.

Nevertheless, Hollyoaks is where she encountered her husband, Emmett J. Scanlan, in 2010. The couple wed five years later, in New York on New Year's Eve 2015.

They share two young children, Ocean and Fiáin, while Emmett also has another daughter, Kayla, from a prior relationship.

Emmett initially starred in Hollyoaks as Brendan Brady between 2010 and 2013. Following his departure from the Chester-based soap, Emmett has built an impressive acting portfolio with appearances in Kin, Mobland, A Working Man, Unforgotten, The Fall, Gangs of London, and Fool Me Once.

Between 2019 and 2022, Emmett appeared in five episodes of The Peaky Blinders playing the role of Billy Grade.

Earlier this year, Claire honoured her husband with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, describing him as "magic".

The actress posted a collection of photographs on Instagram, featuring a beautiful selfie with Emmett, who can be seen placing his arm around his wife's shoulder as they pose together.

Claire wrote: "Happy birthday to my twin flame, my constant, my chaos, my whirlwind @scandalous_13. May this be a year that feels good in your body, steady in your mind, and full in your heart."

She added: "Rich in the realest ways ... in peace, in laughter, in love, in family, in growth, and in becoming more of who you already are. May your art stay feral, your vision stay sharp and untamed, and your talent keep blowing the doors clean off.

"You are light. You are magic. You are fire. We love you dearly and sorely. And 47 looks soooooo hot on you... (love heart) #happybirthday."

The couple received numerous compliments, with actress Roma Downey commenting: "Happy birthday @scandalous_13", while another person penned: "Gorgeous couple, happiest of birthdays."

A third chimed in: "You 2 are a match made in heaven, such beautiful words", while yet another declared: "Happy birthday, you're like a good wine."

The Hardcres returns on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5