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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Gemma Atkinson teases backstage chat with former Emmerdale lover as she dazzles in surprise British Soap Awards appearance

Gemma Atkinson declared 'I can't' as she teased a backstage exchange with her former Emmerdale lover at the British Soap Awards 2023. The actress, who previously starred as Carly Hope in the ITV soap, dazzled on stage at The Lowry in Salford as she presented an award.

Gemma, who is pregnant with her second child with her Strictly star beau Gorka Marquez, was on hand to present the "Outstanding Achievement" award to Mark Charnock, who is best known for playing Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale.

The actor was honoured with the special award at the star-studded ceremony, attended by the casts of Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders and Doctors on Saturday night (June 3) before it was aired on ITV on Tuesday night (June 6) after spending more than 20 years playing the loveable chef.

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Gemma was joined on stage to reveal Mark's winning moment, which came as a complete surprise to the emotional actor, alongside two of his other former on-screen partners Sheree Murphy and Verity Rushworth.

And while it was all about Mark, eyes couldn't help but be drawn to 38-year-old Gemma, who is currently on maternity leave as she prepares for the arrival of her baby boy, who looked gorgeous as she showed off her blossoming bump in a high-necked sequinned gown with a daring thigh slit, whilst her blonde hair was pulled back into a bun on her head.

Taking to Instagram as the awards aired on ITV, Gemma shared a snap of herself on stage with the equally stunning Sheree and Verity as she teased what Mark said to the trio behind the scenes as the shock of his win settled in.

"The British Soap Awards. How lovely to be back presenting an award to @markcharnock," the mum-of-two-to-be typed. "I’ll not tell you what he called us backstage for keeping it a secret from him," she added with a crying laughing emoji.

Gemma dazzled with Sheree and Verity on stage at the British Soap Awards (Jonathan Hordle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

It comes after Gemma was hailed a 'hot mama' after she shared some snaps taken backstage after her award-giving stint. The Hits Radio host, who shot to fame appearing in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, took to her Instagram to share a series of photos of her glamorous look, taken by husband-to-be Gorka.

Cradling her baby bump, Gemma compared herself to a 'pregnant princess' as she told her 1.8 million followers: "Last night's British Soap Awards! What an honour it was to be asked to present the outstanding achievement award to my lovely friend Mark Charnock. Such a deserving winner.

"The soaps were always a night I looked forward to when I worked on Hollyoaks & Emmerdale, a chance for everyone to party together. Back in the day one of the last to leave the afterparty to last night not even attending the afterparty because my feet, legs, lower back and vagina were all aching. However, for the show itself I felt like a pregnant princess in my dress."

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