Gemma Merna thinks her ‘Hollyoaks’ character will "go down in soap history".
The 29-year-old actress joined the cast of the Channel 4 soap in 2006–playing the role of ditsy beautician Carmel McQueen – and having recently announced she was leaving the show after eight years, she’s confessed she’s proud of the work she’s done.
Looking back at her time on the show, Gemma said: "It’s more pride. Obviously I’ve done a good job. That’s all you set off to do. You join such an established cast, and you try and create a character that has longevity.
"And I feel I’ve done that. Carmel is well known, she’s part of the main cast. She will go down in soap history."
Gemma – who earned herself a Best Comedy Performance prize at The British Soap Awards in 2007, as well as a nomination for Best Female Soap Actress at the National Television Award – also admitted she’s going to miss transforming into the much loved character.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "I’ll miss Carmel – I’ll miss getting into the character every single day. But, you know, I’m ready for some new challenges. So I’m very excited about that."
She is, however, keeping tight-lipped on her future ventures.
The blonde beauty added: "I’m allowed to say that it’s very different from what any soap stars have done before. And I think a lot of people will be shocked by what I’m doing."
Gemma is supporting Jeans for Genes Day 2014 which will be held on Friday 19 September. Please sign-up and order a free fundraising kit at www.jeansforgenes.org or call 0800 980 4800.
Gemma Merna: Hollyoaks Carmel to go down in history
