Claire Cooper, who portrays Mary Hardacre in the popular period drama The Hardacres, is married to fellow actor Emmett J. Scanlan, known for roles in Hollyoaks and Peaky Blinders.
The Hardacres Gears Up for Second Series
The Hardacres returns to Channel 5 for its second series, building on the success of the 2024 debut. Adapted from C.L. Skelton’s novels, the show follows a Yorkshire family’s transformation from herring merchants to high society in a classic rags-to-riches narrative.
Set in 1895, the new season explores how Mary and Sam Hardacre navigate their newfound wealth amid shifting social dynamics. The official synopsis states: “Mary and Sam embrace wealth and opportunity, but their children begin forging identities that challenge expectations.”
The series airs Thursdays at 9pm on Channel 5.
Claire Cooper’s Acting Journey
Claire Cooper, 45, reprises her role as Mary Hardacre in the anticipated second season. She gained fame as the feisty Jacqui McQueen on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2013, with a brief return in 2023.
Her credits also include guest spots on Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Snatch, Knightfall, and Suspects.
Meeting Her Husband on Hollyoaks
Cooper met Emmett J. Scanlan on the set of Hollyoaks in 2010. The couple married on New Year’s Eve 2015 in New York.
They have two children, Ocean and Fíain. Scanlan also has a daughter, Kayla, from a previous relationship.
Emmett J. Scanlan’s Notable Roles
Scanlan portrayed Billy Grade in five episodes of Peaky Blinders between 2019 and 2022.
Heartfelt Birthday Tribute
Earlier this year, Cooper shared a touching Instagram post celebrating Scanlan’s birthday. The collection featured a selfie of the pair, with Scanlan’s arm around her shoulder.
She captioned it: “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.”
Cooper continued: “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.”
Fans and celebrities showered the post with praise. Actress Roma Downey wrote: “Happy birthday @scandalous_13.” Others commented: “Gorgeous couple, happiest of birthdays,” “You 2 are a match made in heaven, such beautiful words,” and “Happy birthday, you’re like a good wine.”
