Administrators FRP Advisory said further talks would now take place with Peacocks in order to secure a rescue deal, having received a number of initial offers for the chain.

Despite the emergence of Peacocks as a potential buyer, administrators said 30 underperforming Bonmarché stores will still close by December 11. Staff at those shops could be made redundant. FRP has already axed 25 head office and middle-management roles as part of the administration process. 

Bonmarché’s remaining 285 stores will continue trading in the immediate future and the “vast majority” of those are expected to be kept as part of any deal with Peacocks.