Hollyoaks Icon Lands 'dream Job' As She Moves To Rival Soap Corrie In Huge Shake-up

Former Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna, who played Carmel McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, announced that she’s landed her “dream job” as she is joining the cast of Coronation Street

Coronation Street is getting a Hollyoaks legend.

When Gemma Merna was cast as Carmel McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera in 2006, she became extremely famous. The actress, however, is moving from Hollyoaks Village to Weatherfield since she recently joined the Corrie cast.

The 40-year-old disclosed that she would be portraying Rebecca, who will first appear as Adam Barlow’s (Sam Robertson) romantic interest. Gemma called the joyful news her “dream job” as she shared it with admirers on Instagram.

Gemma posted a photo of herself smiling outside the Rovers Return pub with the caption, “The news is out.” I have maintained a small secrecy. I’m overjoyed to share that @coronationstreet is where I got my dream job!”

The TV personality went on, “It’s unbelievable! Since I was a young child, I had always desired to appear on Coronation Street. For me, having been born and raised in Manchester, this is definitely a dream come true.”

Gemma went on, “I think calling my mother and telling her was the best part.” To my father, grandmother, grandfather, and great-grandmother, who were all lifelong viewers and ardent admirers. Up there, I hope you’re proud of me.”

“Rebecca will be gracing your screens in the next coming weeks,” she said as her post’s signature. Many of Gemma’s former co-stars and friends from the soap opera industry were thrilled to congratulate her in the comments section.

“Omg amazing!!!” wrote Tamara Wall, who will soon be playing Grace Black again. Brooke Vincent from Corrie exclaimed, “Omg!!!!!!” This is fantastic.”

“Happy for you, love xx,” was Catherine Tyldesley’s response. Stuart Manning, star of Russ Owen, followed with, “Hell yes, congrats, Gem xx.” According to Inside Soap, Gemma will have a “brief storyline” in which she plays an Adam’s customer who develops feelings for him.

Gemma’s story on Hollyoaks ended abruptly in 2014 when she perished in a train accident. The celebrity gave up performing for a while to pursue a career as a yoga instructor and launch an online fitness business.