'Oaks stars to launch fashion business

Hollyoaks actress Claire Cooper has revealed that she is teaming up with co-star Jennifer Metcalfe for a new business venture.

The pair, who play sisters Jacqui and Mercedes McQueen, are setting up their own dress agency which will allow ordinary members of the public to hire outfits worn by celebrities.

Cooper and Metcalfe will launch the business, which they have named The Closet, next month by putting their new website live and opening a showroom base at Liverpool's Albert Dock. Their former soap colleague Leah Hackett, who played Tina McQueen, is also part of the project.

Metcalfe first discussed the designer boutique plan last month, but Cooper has not spoken publicly about her involvement until now.

She told the Liverpool Echo: "We get on well together and we are really close. I think people would love to think that we're pulling each other's hair out like we are on TV, but honestly we don't. In fact it's nice to work with friends and we just buzz off each other."

Cooper continued: "We want it to be a real experience. So girls can book their dress online, then come and try it on and collect it, and they'll be able to have a glass of champagne and a cupcake while they wait."

It is thought that the trio have already managed to obtain dresses worn by Cheryl Cole, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears for the store.