She discussed the cottage with Chesney, who also encouraged her to go, following a challenging few months on the cobbles. Corrie enthusiasts were gutted as news broke that Gemma’s taking a break from the cobbles. A fan gushed on a Corrie Facebook group: “She is playing her character so well and going through hell.”

Coronation Street star Harriet Bibby, who plays Summer on the ITV soap, has teased emotional turmoil ahead

Gemma’s twin recently died (Image: ITV)

“Can’t blame her for needing a breather to find herself again,” another chimed in, while a third shared: “Hope she comes back soon,” with a sad face emoji tagging along. Another remarked: “Seems a bit sudden.”

Dolly-Rose Campbell, adored by viewers for her portrayal of Gemma, has a backstory as interesting as her on-screen persona. Before her acting career skyrocketed, she was slinging drinks as a bartender – skills that served her well at the Rovers Return.

Corrie

Gemma has decided to take a break from the famous street (Image: ITV)rv

Reflecting on her past gigs, she once shared: “I’ve worked behind a bar in real life, it was before Coronation Street when I worked in radio. I did hospitality and bar work.” The actress had a serendipitous moment after auditioning for the role of Gemma Winter; she toured Weatherfield and fatefully learned she snagged the part during the visit.

Recalling the experience in an interview, Dolly revealed: “I’d had an audition before the tour but I wasn’t expecting anything. While we were walking around my friend said, ‘Imagine if you got a job on it’ and I was saying that would never happen. Just a couple of days later I got a call saying I had the part.”