In a move that has left Coronation Street fans reeling, Dolly-Rose Campbell, the beloved actress who has played Gemma Winter since 2014, will not be renewing her contract with the long-running soap. The news comes after months of personal and emotional turmoil for the star, which has deeply affected both her on-screen character and real life.

Gemma Winter, known for her fiery personality and dramatic storylines, quickly became a fan favorite after her debut on Coronation Street. From her hidden criminal past to her current life raising quadruplets with her husband Chesney, Gemma’s journey on the cobbles has been anything but ordinary. But now, after the death of her twin brother Paul, played by Peter Ash, it seems that even the strong-willed Gemma is being forced to take a step back from the spotlight.

Gemma’s recent storyline on Coronation Street has been dominated by grief and heartbreak. Fans watched as her twin brother Paul, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), tragically passed away in September. His death left a lasting impact on Gemma, who has been struggling to cope with the loss. In a recent episode, Gemma’s return to work at The Rovers Return was met with overwhelming emotions. Despite her husband Chesney’s protests, she tried to carry on with her normal life, but it became clear that she needed time away to heal.

In an emotional scene, Gemma found herself retreating to the back of the pub for a breather, unable to cope with the weight of the grief she was carrying. Her brother Kit Green, portrayed by Jacob Roberts, later suggested that Gemma take a break and visit a cottage in the Lake District to find some peace. With a heavy heart, Gemma made the difficult decision to leave Weatherfield and take some time away from the iconic cobbles. For many fans, this news came as a shock, and they expressed their sadness on social media. One fan wrote, “She is playing her character so well and going through hell. Can’t blame her for needing a breather.”

The decision to write Gemma off the show for a period of time has left Coronation Street fans devastated, as they had become deeply invested in her journey. As one fan commented on a Facebook group, “Hope she comes back soon,” while another remarked, “Seems a bit sudden.”

Dolly-Rose Campbell: From Bartender to Soap Legend

While the news of Gemma’s departure is heartbreaking for fans, it’s important to remember the incredible career of Dolly-Rose Campbell, the talented actress behind the character. Before making her mark on Coronation Street, Dolly worked as a bartender, a job that no doubt prepared her for her role at The Rovers Return. Reflecting on her past gigs, Dolly 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.”

It was during an audition for the role of Gemma that Dolly’s life took a turn. After her audition, she was given the opportunity to tour the Coronation Street set. Dolly never expected to land the part, but as fate would have it, she received the call a few days later, informing her that she had been cast as Gemma Winter. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since joining Coronation Street, Dolly-Rose Campbell has become a fan favorite, beloved for her portrayal of Gemma. Her character’s journey from a troubled past to motherhood and her heart-wrenching loss of Paul has captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on the soap opera world.

With Dolly-Rose Campbell taking a break from Coronation Street, fans are left wondering what’s next for the talented actress. Will she return to Weatherfield once she’s had time to grieve and recharge, or will she pursue other opportunities in the entertainment industry? For now, it seems that fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the actress who has captured the hearts of millions.

In addition to her role on Coronation Street, Dolly-Rose Campbell has not shied away from exploring other creative outlets. Whether it’s acting, writing, or even pursuing a new career direction, it’s clear that Dolly-Rose has the talent and versatility to excel in whatever she sets her sights on.