Gemma Atkinson sets record straight on possible soap comeback after ITV Emmerdale exit
Gemma Atkinson has ruled out a return to soap operas, citing family commitments as her primary reason.
The 40-year-old actress, who found fame playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks from 2001 to 2005 and later starred as Carly Hope in Emmerdale, said she cannot commit to the demanding schedules of soap productions.
Atkinson made a brief return to Hollyoaks in 2022 but has now confirmed she won’t be making any long-term comebacks to the soap world.
The mother-of-two shares daughter Mia, five, and son Thiago, who is nearly two, with her fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez.
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Speaking to The Mirror, Atkinson explained that the unpredictable nature of soap opera filming schedules makes it impossible to balance with her family responsibilities.
“To go back to a soap wouldn’t really be realistic because the hours are so few and far between, you’re either in for 12 hours a day or you’re in for two hours a day,” she said.
“Your schedule can change at the drop of a hat.”
This unpredictability is particularly challenging as her partner Gorka Márquez is away for extended periods filming Strictly Come Dancing.
From July to Christmas, Márquez is based wherever his dance partner is located, leaving Atkinson as the primary caregiver.
“I loved my time on all the soaps, it’s where I am now because of them but I think, now that I’ve got the children, I just wouldn’t be able to commit unfortunately,” Atkinson admitted.
She expressed openness to other acting opportunities with more predictable timeframes.
“I would love to go back to acting again, 100 per cent, I would love to do a one off drama where there was a start date and an end date, so I could plan childcare around it.”
Márquez has previously shared his struggles with being away from his family during Strictly.
Last year, he posted on Instagram about feeling “sadness” and “guilt” when leaving for the show.
Atkinson is also supporting Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, which will take place at Old Trafford in June.
The charity football match will see her supporting England while her fiancé Márquez plays for World XI.
“There will definitely be a rivalry between me and Gorka,” she laughed. “He’s still rubbing it in about the Spanish game in the Summer.”
“I’m going to put the kids in England shirts, he’s outnumbered.”
Atkinson described it as an “honour to be involved” with the event, which has raised over £100 million for children worldwide.