A FORMER Hollyoaks star who was at the centre of a huge storyline now works as a yoga teacher – but could make a soap return.
Gemma Merna, who played Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks, is the founder of Mind & Wellness, which she describes as an “online gym membership for your mind & body”.
Gemma played Carmel McQueen in Hollyoaks
The blonde beauty, 39, shares regular motivational posts with her followers and this week uploaded a snap of her teaching a yoga class.
Gemma wrote: “Every time I’m invited to teach at big events my inner critic creeps in and I doubt myself and my abilities!
“I’ve learnt tools to quiet that voice, step into my power and help everyone in the studio to step into their power too! Life changing tools that’s for sure!”
Gemma joined Hollyoaks as Carmel in 2006 but the character met a grizzly end in 2014 when she died in a dramatic train crash storyline on the same day as her cousin Porche McQueen [Twinnie Lee Moore].
Carmel was part of one of Soapland’s best-loved couples after marrying Calvin Valentine, played by Ricky Whittle.
While a return to Hollyoaks may be unlikely for Carmel – though not unheard of – Gemma has revealed she’s got her eye on a part in Coronation Street.
During a Q&A with fans on Instagram, she was asked which soap she’d consider and replied: “All of them are fab, I would love @coronationstreet as I’m a Manchester girl.”
It’s an exciting time for Hollyoaks right now after it was confirmed EastEnders legend Rita Simons is joining the soap.
HOAR exclusively revealed that Rita is joining the soap full time and will be a regular character.
New pictures later showed Rita catching up with award-winning Hollyoaks casting boss Peter Hunt and picking up her scripts for her new role.
She will make her debut this autumn when she begins filming and it’s bound to be explosive.
