Gemma Atkinson’s transformation as she returns to Hollyoaks after 20 years

Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atksinson has come a long way since she shot to fame playing troubled teen Lisa Hunter on Hollyoaks 15 years ago

Gemma Atkinson has undergone on an incredible transformation some 15 years after she first shot to fame on Hollyoaks, as she films her comeback scenes for the soap.

The 36-year-old played Lisa Hunter in the Channel 4 show, but left in 2006 after a five year stint playing the troubled teen.

Some of her biggest storylines involved the sensitive topic of self-harming, being bullied by Steph Dean, and being caught up in a series of love triangles.

In photos from that era of the award-winning teen soap, Gemma can be seen with bright bleached blonde hair – a far cry from the sleek, glam look she returned to the Chester village with.

What was your favourite era of Hollyoaks? Tell us in the comments below!

Gemma announced that she was “nipping back” to the show that made her famous in an Instagram video posted from the studios of Hits Radio, where she hosts the daily Drive show from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

With her co-hosts behind her, she said: “I am nipping back to Hollyoaks. Not long term unfortunately because I’ve got another job haven’t I? I’m stuck here.

“When did I sign, it was months ago, wasn’t it? You’ve had to keep it quiet.

“People’s response has been lovely so thank-you. But I’m not forgetting these, I’m still here.”

It is believed that she will appear in scenes shown early next year.

Gemma also posed for a photo on set alongside Kelly Condron, who played Zara Morgan – who was one of Lisa’s school bullies.

Back in her soap days, stunning Gemma cashed in on her good looks as a lads’ mags favourite but these days she embraces the quiet life at home with her partner Gorka Marquez and daughter Gemma.

Her career has also gone off in a very different direction.

After pursuing further acting roles as Tamzin Bayle in Casualty and Bob Hope’s daughter Carly in Emmerdale, Gemma took a different path.

She showed off her incredible cooking skills on Celebrity Masterchef, and was a fan favourite on other reality shows I’m A Celeb… Get Me Out of Here! and singing contest Soapstar Superstar.

But it was taking part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 which really changed her life.

It was here that she met her now fiancé Gorka .

They began dating after the series ended and welcomed their daughter Mia on 4 July 2019.

On Valentine’s Day this year, they shared the news that they are engaged with a romantic selfie which showed Gemma sporting a huge diamond ring.