In a sensational twist for soap fans, actress Gemma Merna is set to make a dramatic return to Hollyoaks, a full decade after her beloved character was killed off.
A Shocking Comeback After a Decade
The 41-year-old actress, who first joined the Channel 4 soap in 2006, will reportedly reprise her role as the iconic Carmel McQueen. This comes despite the character's death during the show's explosive train crash episode in 2014.
According to reports, Merna's return will be for a special dream sequence to mark the exit of her on-screen brother, John-Paul McQueen, played by James Sutton. A source told The Sun: 'It's a real treat for the fans getting Gemma back.'
Carmel McQueen's Unforgettable Legacy
During her initial eight-year stint from 2006 to 2014, Gemma Merna appeared in over 500 episodes. Carmel McQueen was at the heart of some of the soap's biggest storylines.
Her most memorable plots included a tumultuous relationship with Calvin Valentine, played by Ricky Whittle, and a horrific incident where she suffered severe facial injuries from a tanning machine explosion. Her final storyline saw her killed in a secondary explosion following a dramatic train crash at a family wedding.
From Coronation Street Dream Back to Hollyoaks
This surprise Hollyoaks comeback follows just two years after Merna celebrated landing her 'dream job' on the rival ITV soap, Coronation Street.
In April 2024, the Manchester-born actress shared her excitement on Instagram, posting a photo outside the Rovers Return pub. She wrote that being on the show was a childhood ambition and a 'dream come true'. Gemma appeared in two episodes of Coronation Street, describing telling her mother as the 'best part' of the experience.
Her unexpected return to the Chester-based soap promises to deliver a poignant and nostalgic moment for long-term viewers, bringing a beloved character back to screens one last time.
