Gemma Atkinson shares cute letter written by her 12-year-old self
"Those were the days!"
Last updated 15th Mar 2022
Gemma Atkinson was always destined for fame according to her 12-year-old self. The Hits Radio presenter recently took to her Instagram Stories to reveal a letter she'd written to her uncle Clive, as a young girl. Her uncle had recently dropped off a box of things from her childhood and Gemma was having fun looking through it all.
Reading the letter to her fans she said: "Dear Clive, my uncle Clive, thank you very much for your card. P.s. here's an autograph before I become famous and don't forget about you." Exclaiming, she said: "I genuinely signed it!"
Gemma then continued to read the letter saying: "Unlucky mate... Jean-Claude Van Damme here I come." Explaining to her followers: "I was determined to meet Van Damme, I loved him."
Later admitting: "I have met Van Damme... twice. How funny's that?"
Turning over the letter she continued: "To uncle Clive from, the fantastic Gemma." Laughing at her 12-year-old self: "How funny!"
Grabbing another letter from her younger self, Gemma read: "I'm only 12 going on 13 but I still have a right to do this. I am protesting against animal experiments. They are cruel and unnecessary."
"My dog hates having a bath and the pets you've got there must hate being moved because wherever they go they have something horrible done to them.
"If this letter won't stop you, nothing will. They suffer in silence."
Of course, as fans of the Hits Radio presenter will know, Gemma still loves animals and has two dogs of her own, Ollie and Norman.
Also in the box of childhood goodies dropped off by her uncle, the mum-of-one revealed a photo of herself as a baby, saying it: "could be Mia", referring to her two-year-old daughter who she shares with fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez. Cute! 😍
This week is a busy week for Gemma, not only can you find her on Hits Radio with Mike Toolan, 4pm - 7pm until Friday, you can also watch her on TV as she reprises her role Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks.
Last week, Hollyoaks 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.
Now take a look through Gemma Atkinson's career highlights:
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 Patric. 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.
Started acting role in 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.
Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan book (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.
Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums book (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.
Gemma Atkinson returns 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.'
Gemma Atkinson presents 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."
Gemma Atkinson releases 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 Atkinson lands her own TV show with fiancé Gorka Marquez
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 is due to air later in 2024.
Gemma Atkinson announces new podcast The Overshare
Gemma Atkinson launches her new podcast The Overshare on 21st September. The Hits Radio presenter will be talking with listeners for the most jaw-dropping, tear-jerking stories and some proper laugh-out-loud moments.
Gemma Atkinson released first children's book Dogs Don't Dance
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.'
Now read:
Gemma Atkinson: Everything you need to know about the Hits Radio presenter
Hollyoaks confirm return date for Gemma Atkinson as Lisa Hunter
Listen to Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan on Hits Radio