A Coronation Street actor’s wife has had an emotional week as she waved goodbye to her beloved customers at Morley Tearoom.

This marks the final weekend of Emma’s tenure at the village tearooms near Wilmslow in Cheshire, following her unexpected announcement earlier this month that she is stepping down from the venue after three years.

Married to Coronation Street legend Simon Gregson, Emma has carved out her own celebrity status within this community, thanks to her irresistible homemade cakes and traditional hospitality.

She’s earned the title “Queen of Cakes” and has bagged Good Food Awards for two consecutive years.

More than just cultivating a loyal customer base, it feels like an extended family as you sit in the café and observe each customer being greeted by name by the vibrant and busy Emma, multitasking in the compact kitchen space.

A stack of meticulously wrapped presents are heaped on the reception table, and colourful cards expressing “thank you” and “sorry you’re leaving” are displayed on the walls.

“This is nothing, you should see my house, it’s like a florists,” Emma grins. “The outpouring of love has been incredible… but I told Simon I actually can’t wait for Sunday now because I’ll be glad to stop crying!”.

Every departing customer rushes over to Emma for a hug, imploring her to text or email as soon as she knows where she’s heading next.

Emma has had to create a book to record the contact details of her loyal customers, who are eager to stay updated on her future endeavours.

She shared: “We have loads of regulars, people who always go to the same table. Everyone knows it’s my final week and it’s been so humbling.

“There have been hugs and tears – grown men have been crying on me. Adam who works for me here, he’s only 21 bless him, and he said ‘what’s going on? It’s just a tearoom’ but it’s more personal than that, it’s a community here, I know everyone, it’s so sad.”

It seems puzzling then, given her strong customer base, that Emma would be leaving. She revealed earlier this month in her departure announcement that the terms of her lease renewal “did not meet her requirements”.

Emma had planned to remain until the end of the summer, but claims she was asked to vacate “a lot sooner than anticipated” by June 29.

Morley Nurseries, the owners of the Tea Room, have since confirmed that the cafe will undergo a two-week refurbishment from Monday, before reopening under new management “with a new look and feel” from Friday, July 12.

As for Emma’s next steps, she has the daunting task of sorting through 400 emails and potential offers for new venues. She resides in nearby Wilmslow with Simon and their three sons.

The beloved local baker is hinting that she’s on the verge of securing a new spot for her delectable bakery, with an update to come as soon as possible – ensuring it won’t be a long trek for her loyal customers.

She jokes: “It’s going to take me four weeks just to email everyone.”

A temporary respite is on the horizon, however, giving her a well-earned break from the relentless 5am starts required to bake her array of irresistible treats that consistently draw the crowds.

Her Victoria Sponge is nothing short of iconic, earning a reputation that has to be tasted to understand just why this cake is the talk of the town.

It’s clear the customers cannot get enough of her treats though with many asserting they’ll follow that renowned Victoria Sponge wherever it goes.

While Emma is in the café, her husband Simon is sprucing up the car park and expresses his sentiments about the shop’s closing chapter.

Simon comments: “It’s the community more than anything, people say they come in and just wanted one of those hugs from her. It’s very special what she’s created.”

He jests: “I’m out here doing the tip runs, I’m just the general lackie!”

The approaching Sunday will be a mix of tears and celebration for Emma, complete with a customer serenading farewell party.

What will Monday bring? For once, it won’t start at dawn with baking – instead, Emma welcomes the prospect with glee: “On Monday I’ll be having a good old lie in!”