Emmerdale fans were devastated when Gemma Atkinson announced she was leaving her role as Carly Hope in 2017.
The ex-Hollyoaks favourite’s character became much-loved, falling in love with Marlon Dingle, forging a beautiful relationship with his daughter April, and opening up about the devastating loss of her baby.
Gemma maintained that she loved her time in the Dales but, also working each morning on a radio show across the Pennines in Manchester, something had to give.
And that was Emmerdale, sadly.
Gem went on to star in Strictly Come Dancing later in 2017, proving herself popular with a new audience – and bagging herself a new boyfriend, pro dancer Gorka Marquez!
In February the cute couple announced they were expecting their first child together and, in six months’ time, they will both begin the biggest job of their lives.
But – soap fans will be thrilled to hear – Gemma has not closed the door on a return to Emmerdale.
Appearing on James Martin’s Saturday Morning show this weekend, the 34-year-old confirmed she definitely wants to come back.
“I just left the village in a cab, as you do,” she said.
“Before I joined everyone said it’s like a real family, and it is.”
“All my friends are still there. I would go back at some point, yes.”
Yes, Gem, yes! Given the love for Carly Hope among Emmerdale fans, and the popularity of Gemma among TV, social and radio audiences generally, we’d expect writers are hurriedly crafting the perfect return plot right now!
How would you like to see Carly return to the village? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!