Hollyoaks confirm return date for Gemma Atkinson as Lisa Hunter
The episodes air next week
Last updated 8th Mar 2022
Gemma Atkinson will be reprising her first acting role on Hollyoaks, playing Lisa Hunter. The radio presenter, who joins Mike Toolan on Hits Radio every weekday from 4pm, will appear in a couple of episodes next week.
Hollyoaks have also shared their Spring trailer featuring the return of Gemma as Lisa Hunter. Gemma started her acting career in Hollyoaks back in 2001, starring in the soap and some of its spin-off series until 2006.
Speaking about her return to the iconic show, Gemma said: "I'm thrilled to be popping back to Hollyoaks for a short time. It's where my career began so of course, I was going to say yes!
"The cast and crew are so wonderful and although we have stayed in touch personally, it'll be great to work together again professionally."
Back in January, Gemma shared a photo on the set of the show saying: 'Short but sweet visit back to playing Lisa Hunter in @hollyoaksofficial What a trip down memory lane. So different, yet so familiar.'
She continued: '22 years ago my career started at this place, on this set, in the “Hunters” house. Forever Grateful for the wonderful memories, and for the fact there was no social media in those days - We’d all be screwed! 😂🤦🏼♀️ #goodtimes #memories #friendsforever'.
The episodes will air on E4 on Tuesday 15th March and Wednesday 16th March, however fans of the show will also be able to watch the episodes earlier on All 4.
Gemma has starred in several TV shows since appearing on Hollyoaks in the early noughties, including Emmerdale, I'm A Celebrity and more recently Strictly Come Dancing.
Catch Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan as they get you home weekdays from 4pm on Hits Radio.
Now take a look at Gemma Atkinson's career:
Hollyoaks (2001 - 2006)
Gemma Atkinson played the role of Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2005. Gemma also appeared in its spin-off shows, Hollyoaks: After Hours, Hollyoaks: Let Loose and Hollyoaks: In the City, between 2004 and 2006. In 2002 Gemma was nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.
Hollyoaks: Let Loose (2005)
In 2005, Gemma Atkinson appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off series about Ben Davies and Lisa Hunter as they leave Hollyoaks for a new life.
Soapstar Superstar (2007)
Gemma appeared in Soapstar Superstar in 2007 and reached the last four. On the show she performed songs by P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Sting.
Celebrity Weakest Link and Celebrity MasterChef (2006)
In 2006, Gemma took part in Celebrity Weakest Link along with Hollyoaks co-star Marcus Patrick. The same year she also competed on Celebrity MasterChef against the likes of Midge Ure and Craig Revel Horwood, with Nadia Sawalha winning the series.
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! (2007)
Gemma took part in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! back in 2007, finishing the series in fifth place.
TV appearances (2008)
Gemma appeared on several TV shows in 2008 including Celebrity Mastermind, All Star Family Fortunes and Jack Osbourne's show Adrenaline Junkie. Gemma also made her computer game debut on Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, playing the role of Lt. Eva McKenna, a character she reprised for the sequel, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising.
Devil's Pass (2013)
In 2013, Gemma appeared as Denise Evers in the film Devil's Pass. The film was about a group of students, who visited the location of the Dyatlov pass incident, to make a documentary. The Dyatlov pass incident was a real event where experienced hikers went missing in uncertain circumstances. That same year she also appeared in a remake of Night of the Living Dead.
Emmerdale (2015 - 2017)
For two years, Gemma played the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, Emmerdale won Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Gemma was also nominated for Sexiest Female in the 2016 Inside Soap Awards.
Fever (2016)
Gemma starred in the Indian suspense thriller Fever, starring alongside Caterina Murino and Ankita Makwana. As part of the Emmerdale cast, Gemma won Best Soap at the TV Choice Awards in 2016. The actress also became vice-patron of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Lancashire.
Key 103 Breakfast Show (2017)
In 2017, Gemma Atkinson turned her talents to radio presenting and joined Mike Toolan on the Key 103 Breakfast Show (now Hits Radio). The pair presented the show until May 2018.
Gemma then carried on with the breakfast show on the newly-named Hits Radio until she went on leave to have her baby daughter in 2019.
Strictly Come Dancing (2017)
Gemma was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Gemma and Aljaž ended the show as runner ups, narrowly missing out to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones. Gemma also met her future fiancé Gorka Marquez on the show.
The Ultimate Body Plan (2018)
Not only is Gemma a presenter and actor, but she is also an author. Gemma released a book of recipes and workout plans called The Ultimate Body Plan in 2018 and went on a book tour around England and Wales.
Gemma presents the drivetime show on Hits Radio (2020)
After having Mia, Gemma returned to radio to present the home time show on Hits Radio in 2020.
Gemma Atkinson reunited with Mike Toolan on Hits Radio (2022)
Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan were reunited on the radio in 2022. The pair now present the drivetime show on Hits Radio.
The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums (2022)
After releasing her first book in 2018, Gemma followed it up with a second book in 2022 called The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums based on her own experiences as a new mother getting back into exercising.
Return to Hollyoaks (2022)
Fans were excited when Gemma returned to Hollyoaks in 2022, 16 years after leaving the show, calling it a 'trip down memory lane'. Reprising her role as Lisa Hunter, she was back on the soap for two episodes.
Teasing her character's return, Gemma said: 'She's only back for a short amount of time, but you all know in Hollyoaks you can do a lot of damage in a short time.'
The Toddler Club (2022)
Gemma joined kids' TV show The Toddler Club on CBeebies as a presenter alongside Nigel Clarke in April 2022. She drew from her own experience as a mum and revealed that before joining the programme she: "Found comfort and reassurance watching programmes such as The Baby Club and The Toddler Club."
Activewear range (2023)
In January 2023, Gemma released her Activewear range with In The Style. The range features leggings, half-zip tops, sports tops, joggers and more, in sizes 6 - 24.
Gemma & Gorka: Life Behind The Lens (2023)
Following the birth of their second child in July 2023, Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Marquez announced they'd landed their very own TV show called Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens. The three-part series, which aired on W and UKTV Play, provided viewers with an unfiltered look at their lives as they prepared to welcome their second child, as well as being working parents.
After a successful first series, it was announced in January 2024 that the show had been renewed for a second series, which started on Monday 6th May 2024.
The Overshare Podcast (2023)
Gemma Atkinson launched her podcast The Overshare on 21st September 2023. The Hits Radio presenter spoke with listeners for the most jaw-dropping, tear-jerking stories and some proper laugh-out-loud moments.
Dogs Don't Dance (2024)
In February 2024, Gemma teamed up with illustrator Lisa Hunt to release her first ever children's book Dogs Don't Dance.
The book's description reads: 'This confidence-building picture book is all about trying new things, embracing difference, encouraging our friends and defying stereotypes. Dave the dog wants to dance, but the wise pooches at the park bark in shock.'
gem&tonic (2024)
In November 2024 Gemma launched a new skincare brand, named gem&tonic. She worked with a team of experts to created a series of products which 'hydrate, protect and revitalise' enriched with natural gemstones.
Let's Get Ready (2025)
In April 2025, Gemma released her second children's book, titled Let's Get Ready - The Easy Way To Start The Day! Inspired by Gem's manic mornings getting her her own children Mia & Tio ready, the book is a practical, humorous guide to getting school ready features all of the nifty hints and tips required for brushing teeth, getting dressed, washing hands and much more.
Lost In Translation Podcast (2025)
On 22nd October 2025, Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Márquez launched their first podcast together, Lost In Translation. Episodes air weekly and you can listen on Rayo.
Now read:
Gemma Atkinson: Everything you need to know about the Hits Radio presenter