Gemma Atkinson has revealed that Hollyoaks bosses have asked her to return to the soap 'a few times,' but she has firmly declined, stating that the unpredictable nature of soap filming no longer fits her family life. The actress, 41, who shot to fame playing Lisa Hunter from 2001 to 2005, made a brief return in 2022 but insists that chapter is now closed.
Why Gemma Turned Down Hollyoaks
Speaking on her podcast Lost in Translation, which she co-hosts with fiancé Gorka Márquez, Gemma explained that soap operas require actors to be on call 24/7 unless they specifically book time off. 'I wouldn't be able to do a soap again… The thing is with soaps, you have to be on call 24/7 unless you specifically book time off,' she said. She recalled that her contracts with Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, and Casualty all stipulated she must live within an hour of the studio at all times unless she had booked leave. During her Hollyoaks days, she was once summoned to the Liverpool set while she was in London, illustrating the demanding schedules.
Prioritising Family Over Soap Life
Gemma, who shares daughter Mia, six, and son Thiago, two, with Gorka, now prefers projects with clear start and end dates, allowing her to arrange childcare in advance. She has previously expressed interest in a one-off drama because it would offer a fixed filming schedule. Despite her gratitude for the soap, she emphasised her affection for Hollyoaks: 'Hollyoaks kindly asked me back a few times and I love Hollyoaks, forever grateful for [it], it's because of that soap I'm where I am now.'
Praise for Emmerdale Co-Star
The former soap star also praised Emmerdale's Lucy Pargeter, who managed to balance motherhood with soap filming. 'I shared a changing room with Lucy Pargeter, who had twins and at the time they were like Thiago's age. I genuinely do not know how she did it,' Gemma said.
Career Decisions for the Couple
Gemma's fiancé Gorka Márquez also recently made a major career move, stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing after scheduling conflicts with Dancing with the Stars Spain. Announcing his departure, Gorka said: 'After last year's decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I've decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity.'
While fans may hope to see Gemma back on screen, she has made it clear that her soap days are behind her, prioritising her family and a more predictable work-life balance.
