Coronation Street icon quits cobbles after decade on soap leaving fans devastated
A Coronation Street legend has decided to quit the cobbles following a heartbreaking few months, with fans of the show left devastated by the news
A cherished Coronation Street actor has said goodbye to the famous cobbles after a tumultuous few months.
Gemma Winter, played by Dolly-Rose Campbell, first graced the soap in 2014 and quickly won over the hearts of viewers. Gemma’s existence in Weatherfield has been anything but dull, with a hidden criminal past and the responsibility of raising four lively quadruplets. Recently on the soap, she has been devastated by the death of her twin brother Paul, portrayed by Peter Ash.
Audiences will remember that Paul was diagnosed with MND last year and tragically passed away in September. Paul’s death has deeply affected Gemma, who is grappling with her grief more than she lets on.
In Monday’s episode (October 21), she returned to her job at The Rovers Return, despite her husband Chesney’s (Sam Aston) insistence that it was too soon. Regrettably, things became overwhelming for Gemma at work. A distressed Gemma had to retreat to the back of the renowned pub for a breather, reports the Liverpool Echo.
She was later consoled by her brother Kit Green (Jacob Roberts), who mentioned his friend had a cottage in the Lake District and suggested she could visit if she wished. In a move that will disappoint fans, Gemma decided to take a break from the cobbles.
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.”
“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.
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.”
