Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has taken to social media to confirm she is “single” and “thriving” in a candid post
Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has disclosed she’s single in a candid Instagram post. The actress, who portrayed Rachel Breckle in the ITV soap, has opened up about her relationship’s highs and lows before confirming it has ended permanently.
Gemma, 41, who has never publicly disclosed her boyfriend’s identity, took to Instagram today, filming herself from her sofa in a pink sweatshirt as she updated fans on her relationship status with what she joked was “breaking news”, reports The Mirror.
Declaring herself ‘single but content’, she stated: “I am single. DOUBLE BREAKING NEWS: I’m actually quite happy to be so.”
Yet acknowledging she had felt “lonely” within the relationship, she elaborated: “Seriously though… there’s a specific kind of heaviness that comes with feeling lonely in a relationship. It’s a weight you don’t have to carry anymore.”
Despite being “hurt”, she maintained her heart remained receptive, explaining: “Don’t get me wrong, my heart is not closed. Anybody who knows me knows that I am such an open book-hence why I probably get hurt a lot! But I really want to try and normalise the conversation that you don’t have to be in a relationship.”
Emphasising mental wellbeing’s significance, she continued: “Sometimes life doesn’t work out the way you thought it ‘had’ to, and you realise that being solo is actually the best route for you and your mental health right now.”
The actress added, “It’s not a waiting room; it’s a destination. I’m doing more than okay; I’m thriving.”
Gemma had a well-publicised relationship with DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles a decade ago.
The celebrity pair hit it off in September 2016 after crossing paths at the TV Choice Awards, subsequently enjoying a Scottish getaway in Edinburgh, though their romance quickly burned out.
Gemma is most recognised for portraying Rachel in Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015, earning her a British Soap Award nomination for Best Newcomer.
Following her departure from the Yorkshire Dales drama, she has appeared in numerous television programmes and films, including Rise of the Footsoldier: The Pat Tate Story, Holby City and Coronation Street.
Beyond her television work, Gemma has also graced stages in theatrical productions throughout the UK, including performances in Bedroom Farce and Up ‘n’ Under.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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