Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten has shared a health update with her fans, claiming that she 'feared death'.
The soap star was rushed to hospital on Saturday after "things quickly took a turn for the worse." She tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and found herself developing "excruciating chest, stomach and back pains" throughout the week.
Gemma, best known to audiences as Rachel Breckle on Emmerdale, shared a picture from a hospital bed as she gave the update on Tuesday. She showed pictures of her attached to an IV drip as well as a hoard of magazines to keep her occupied during her hospital stay.
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Taking to Instagram, alongside the images, she wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm so sorry I've been quiet. I've been inundated with messages and tried to keep up, as have my parents but we've hit a brick wall. I just thought it best to do an update for all you lovely people so our phones can cool down and we can get some rest at what's been a really horrible time for us all and my close family and friends."
She continued: "So... I've been in hospital since Saturday and things quickly took a turn for the worse. As many know I tested positive for covid last Tuesday but woke early hours Saturday morning with excruciating chest, stomach and back pains. I called 111 for advice and they sent an ambulance and its all been a blur and very surreal, but too real as well if that makes sense?
"Long story short and I'll explain more when I am ready and fully fit, but I was diagnosed with milk alkali syndrome, which in rare and severe cases (like mine) leads to kidney failure or worse, death. Yep. All a bit much."
Gemma thanked friends and family for urging her to seek help and for bringing her "clean knickers and magazines". But then she had a message for internet trolls who had sent her vile messages during her illness.
She wrote: "And to the trolls (swipe through) for your messages... I don't normally call out keyboard warriors but a lesson needs to be learned. I read these whilst wondering if I would make the night. Think before you type. Kindness means everything."
Gemma ended the post, as she said: "For now self care and rest for me, so please bear with. This has been a wake up call and I need time to process it all too. Stay well lovelies, thanks to all the amazing people in my life for the support. Especially mummy and daddy O and my family and real friends, love you.
"Ps Big shout out to the A&E staff at Charing Cross hospital, Marjory Warren ward. You are absolutely incredible. Thank you for looking after me and for your tireless work."
Gemma played Rachel Breckle on Emmerdale from 2011 and 2015, before heading over to another ITV soap, Coronation Street. The actress made a cameo on the cobbles in November 2021 as Isla Haywood, a potential love interest for Tyrone Dobbs and mother of Hope Stape's classmate Darcy.
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