Gemma Atkinson – From Hollyoaks to Hits Radio Host

Gemma Atkinson is a familiar face on British television, known for her long-running role as Lisa Hunter in the soap opera Hollyoaks and as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing. Over the past two decades, she has successfully transitioned from actress to a national radio presenter and podcaster. Born in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1984, her career spans acting, reality television, and broadcasting, making her one of the more versatile personalities in UK entertainment.

At 41 years old, Atkinson is currently a host on Hits Radio Drive Time and has just launched her first podcast with her fiancé, Gorka Márquez. Her journey from soap star to radio host illustrates a deliberate and steady career evolution, marked by high-profile television appearances and a growing media presence.

Who is Gemma Atkinson?

Gemma Louise Atkinson is an English actress, radio presenter, and former glamour model. She was born on 16 November 1984 in Bury, Greater Manchester. Her career began in television drama, but she has since become a well-known voice on national radio.

Key Insights

• Career Evolution: From soap actress to national radio presenter.
• Reality TV Impact: How Strictly Come Dancing elevated her mainstream profile.
• Media Entrepreneurship: Launch of podcasts and wellness brand.
• Philanthropy: Active role as President of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.

Fact Table

What Are Gemma Atkinson’s Most Famous Acting Roles?

Atkinson’s breakout role came in 2001 when she joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Lisa Hunter. She played the character until 2005 and returned for a guest stint in 2022. The role made her a household name among soap fans.

She also appeared in several Hollyoaks spin-offs, including After Hours, Let Loose, and In the City. These projects expanded her reach beyond the main series.

After leaving Hollyoaks, Atkinson played Tamzin Bayle in Casualty and later took on the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale from 2015 to 2017. Her time in Emmerdale is often cited as her second major soap role.

Movies and TV Shows

Beyond soaps, Atkinson has appeared in a range of television shows, including Celebrity Mastermind, All Star Family Fortunes, Adrenaline Junkie, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, and Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens. Her film credits include Devil’s Pass (2013), How to Stop Being a Loser (2011), Airborne (2012), 13Hrs, The Dyatlov Pass Incident, Fever, and Cain Hill.

Who Is Gemma Atkinson’s Partner?

Atkinson is engaged to professional dancer Gorka Márquez, whom she met while competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. The couple have two children together: a daughter named Mia and a son named Thiago.

In 2025, the couple launched a joint podcast titled Lost In Translation on 22 October 2025. The project marks a new collaborative venture for the pair, blending their personal and professional lives.

What Radio Show Does Gemma Atkinson Host?

Atkinson began her radio career in 2017, joining the Key 103 Breakfast Show, which later became part of Hits Radio. She currently hosts the Hits Radio Drive Time show, a key role in the station’s weekday schedule.

Hits Radio highlights her transition from acting to broadcasting, positioning her as a versatile media personality. Her radio work has become a central part of her current career.

How Successful Was Gemma Atkinson on Strictly Come Dancing?

Atkinson competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. She finished as runner-up in the series, narrowly missing the top spot.

The show significantly boosted her public profile, leading to increased media opportunities and her eventual move into radio. Her time on Strictly also directly led to her relationship with Gorka Márquez, who was a dancer on the same series.

What Is Gemma Atkinson’s Net Worth?

An exact net worth figure for Gemma Atkinson has not been confirmed by reliable sources. While various online estimates exist, no authoritative financial document or official statement has provided a specific number.

Her income streams are understood to come from her radio presenting role, past acting work, reality TV appearances, and brand endorsements. She also runs a wellness brand called GemandTonic. However, these figures remain unverified.

A Timeline of Gemma Atkinson’s Career

1. 2001: Joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Lisa Hunter.
2. 2011: Starred in the film Devil’s Pass.
3. 2015: Began role as Carly Hope in Emmerdale.
4. 2017: Participated in Strictly Come Dancing (Series 15) as a runner-up.
5. 2017: Moved into radio, joining Key 103 (later Hits Radio).
6. 2020: Gave birth to first child with Gorka Márquez.
7. 2022: Returned to Hollyoaks for a guest stint.
8. 2025: Launched Lost In Translation podcast with Gorka Márquez.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About Gemma Atkinson?

What Does Gemma Atkinson’s Career Tell Us About Media Success?

Atkinson’s career is a notable example of transitioning from scripted television to live broadcasting. Starting as a soap actress, she used reality TV exposure to expand her audience and then moved into radio, a field where personality and live interaction are valued. Her podcast ventures suggest a continued interest in controlling her own media output.

Her role as President of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary also points to a philanthropic side, though details of her work there are less widely reported. Overall, her career reflects a strategic use of television fame to build a sustainable presence in radio and digital media.

Where Does the Information About Gemma Atkinson Come From?

Information about Gemma Atkinson is drawn from publicly available sources, including her Wikipedia entry, which provides a detailed biography and career summary. Her IMDb profile lists her filmography, while Apple TV and TMDb offer additional credits. Hits Radio’s official site describes her current role as a presenter.

For her Strictly Come Dancing history, the BBC’s official programme profile is the primary source. Additional details about her radio career and podcast launch come from Hits Radio’s own articles and news coverage.

What Is the Summary of Gemma Atkinson’s Career?

Gemma Atkinson has built a diverse career in British entertainment, moving from acting in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale to becoming a national radio host on Hits Radio. Her runner-up finish on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 was a pivotal moment, leading to her current media work and her relationship with Gorka Márquez. In 2025, she expanded into podcasting with Lost In Translation. While her exact net worth remains unconfirmed, her career trajectory shows a successful evolution across television, radio, and digital media.

Frequently Asked Questions