Gemma Atkinson would love to return to 'Hollyoaks' to "cause havoc in the village".

Gemma Atkinson as Lisa Hunter

Gemma Atkinson as Lisa Hunter

The 35-year-old star got her big break on the Channel 4 soap in 2001 when he joined as Lisa Hunter, and while she wouldn't be able to make a permanent return due to her Hits Radio show, Gemma would be up for a short stint on the programme.

She said: "I would always return to 'Hollyoaks'.

"It's because of that show I'm where I am today and have been able to do so much stuff since, it was my platform, my learning curve into the acting world and I'm so grateful to them.

"I couldn't do it long term as I love my job hosting the drive time show for Hits Radio.

"We broadcast nationally across the UK but from Manchester so I get to be at home, which I love.

"But I'm sure Lisa could pop back for a few weeks to cause some havoc in the village."

One of Gemma's biggest storylines aired in 2002 when episodes centred on Lisa self-harming, and the actress still feels "extremely proud" of the plot.

She said: "No TV show had ever done that storyline and it brought awareness to something a lot of people deal with. 'Hollyoaks' took the risk and it paid off and helped so many which I'm extremely proud of."

The hard-hitting storyline is being revisited this week on the soap's spin-off show 'Hollyoaks@25', to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary, and Gemma hopes it will help others who are battling self-harming nowadays.

Gemma - who departed 'Oaks' in 2005 - added to Mirror Online: "The response we had was really positive and I'm glad Lisa's storyline helped so many people.

"I'm hoping these re-runs will help those who need it too."


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