Kate Ferdinand quits new business after ‘ugly’ row with founder

KATE Ferdinand has turned her back on a new business venture after ‘falling out’ with its founder.

Documents show Kate, 31, resigned as director of Dolly Donuts last month, and she has removed all trace of it from her social media bios.

instagramKate Ferdinand has stepped down as director of her doughnut business[/caption]

The company has ‘temporarily closed’ amid the behind-the-scenes changes, and its Instagram page has been made private.

Former Towie star Kate previously told fans she’d been working on the business for over a year.

She wrote: “As mums, with 11 kids between us we wanted to create somewhere you can bring your kids along whatever the age. Donut decorating for all ages, milkshakes & a place to chill for the teenagers & the best coffees & donuts for us parents for after school drop off!”

In November, we revealed Kate and pal Lisa Moralee – who is now the sole director of Dolly Donuts – had faced claims that they tried to force baker Aimee Clayton out of the business.

AImee 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, said her partners offered to buy her out for just £37. She left as a director in August last 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.”

Sources said the bust-up was a particular wrench for 31-year-old Kate.

She has been 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.

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

GettyKate with husband RIo[/caption]

Kate and pal Lisa Moralee faced claims that they tried to force baker Aimee Clayton out of the business, who set up the business during lockdown