Kate Ferdinand at centre of legal row over doughnut shop after bust-up with baker

REALITY star Kate Ferdinand is at the centre of a legal row over a doughnut store.

She and pal Lisa Moralee face claims that they tried to force baker Aimee Clayton out of the business.

She set up Dolly Donuts during lockdown in Bromley, South East London, with investment from Kate, wife of football pundit Rio, and Lisa.

Its custom-made treats are popular with families along with its milkshakes, ice creams and coffees.

It employs Rio’s brother Jeremiah.

But Aimee, 36, says her partners offered to buy her out for just £37. She left as a director in August this year — months after the store opened.

An insider said: “Aimee has gone legal after feeling edged out of her own business. Things came to a head and Aimee has launched a legal case. It’s got very ugly.”

Last night sources said the bust-up is a particular wrench for 31-year-old Kate.

She is keen to forge a career away from her Towie background and independent of ex-Manchester United and England defender Rio, 44.

Dolly Donuts was originally a home-run business, with Aimee registered as company director in November 2020.

Kate and Lisa were appointed “persons with ­significant control” before being made directors in September 2021.

Last night Aimee refused to speak on the matter.

A spokeswoman for Kate told The Sun that no legal claim had been filed over Dolly Donuts, although lawyers were involved.