Former Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has candidly shared that she is single once more following the end of her latest relationship, while also admitting she often finds herself getting hurt in matters of the heart.
Embracing Single Life on Social Media
The 41-year-old actress took to Instagram on Tuesday to publicly confirm her relationship status in a heartfelt post. While she chose not to disclose the identity of her former partner, the soap star was emphatic that she is currently thriving while unattached and expressed a desire to challenge societal expectations around being in a couple.
Breaking the Stigma Around Being Single
In her social media message, Gemma wrote: 'BREAKING NEWS: I am single. DOUBLE BREAKING NEWS: I'm actually quite happy to be so.' She elaborated on the emotional burden that can come from feeling lonely within a relationship, describing it as 'a weight you don't have to carry anymore.'
The actress acknowledged her vulnerable nature, stating: 'Don't get me wrong, my heart is not closed. Anybody who knows me knows that I am such an open book—hence why I probably get hurt a lot! But I really want to try and normalise the conversation that you don't have to be in a relationship.'
A Destination, Not a Waiting Room
Gemma reflected on how life doesn't always unfold as planned, suggesting that being solo can sometimes be the healthiest choice for one's mental wellbeing. 'Sometimes life doesn't work out the way you thought it 'had' to, and you realise that being solo is actually the best route for you and your mental health right now. It's not a waiting room; it's a destination. I'm doing more than okay; I'm thriving,' she affirmed.
She added humorously: 'Plus, who needs the drama when I've got my dog? That's all that really matters.' The actress concluded her post with a powerful message: 'Let's stop and break the stigma... It's OK to be single.'
Addressing Common Relationship Assumptions
In a video accompanying her post, Gemma discussed some of the well-meaning but frustrating comments she receives from friends about her single status. She challenged assumptions that she deliberately chooses partners who hurt her, stating plainly: 'Do I choose to pick a******s who hurt me? I don't.'
She also questioned the common platitude that 'there's someone out there for everyone,' asserting instead: 'I'm my somebody!' Gemma offered encouragement to others in similar situations: 'I just want to say, ladies, men, if you're single and happy with it, don't feel like you have to explain yourself.'
Past Relationship with Nick Knowles
Gemma was previously in a high-profile relationship with DIY: SOS presenter Nick Knowles, which ended painfully. The actress met the future Strictly Come Dancing star at the TV Choice Awards in 2016, shortly after his separation from his second wife, Jessica Moor.
Their romance developed quickly, with Nick whisking her away to dinner and on a romantic getaway. However, after photographs of them together at the awards ceremony were published, Gemma claims his attitude changed dramatically.
A Sudden and Painful End
Reflecting on the breakup, Gemma told The Mirror: 'It was all about him and how it was going to affect his family. It was really cruel as he said it didn't matter for me. I felt sick.' She recalled pleading with him: 'I said, "Do you want to throw away what we have? We have done nothing wrong". But he just dropped me like a ton of bricks. I thought it was a real relationship and he wasn't afraid to let others know.'
Previous Relationships and Career
Before her brief romance with Nick Knowles, Gemma dated Andy Barnes in 2014 and was in a relationship with Scott Walker for over a year prior to that. The actress is best known for playing Rachel Breckle in the popular ITV soap Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015, a role that established her in the British television landscape.
Through her honest social media disclosure, Gemma Oaten joins a growing conversation about redefining happiness outside traditional relationship structures, offering both personal vulnerability and a message of empowerment to those navigating single life.
