The Hits Radio host shared ‘a bit of good news’ with fans as she revealed her next career move after a sharing a tease to social media earlier this week
Gemma Atkinson shared ‘a bit of good news’ with fans as she revealed her next career move after a sharing a tease to social media earlier this week.
The Hits Radio host is probably best known for her presenting and acting having played Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks from 2001 to 2005 before later playing Carly Hope in Emmerdale from 2015 to 2017.
She’s also appeared on a number of reality show including I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2007 and ten years later, she took part in Strictly Come Dancing where she met her now-fiance Gorka Marquez, with whom she shares two young children.
But those who follow Gemma on social media will know she has a number of other interest and projects and may be aware that Bury-born star released her first children’s book, Dogs Don’t Dance, which was inspired by her own dogs, Norman and Ollie, who have since tragically passed away.
The children’s book, which was illustrated by Lisa Hunt, focuses on two dogs who prove that dogs can dance, overcoming shyness and embracing new experiences.
It was then this week that Gemma teased that she has another book on the way. Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday (April 2), she shared a picture of what appeared to be two separate dedications as often seen in books.
“To Mia & Thiago, and of course Freddie the squirrel – G.A,” one read. The other said: “For me lovely mum and dad. xx – L.H.” She then typed: “Soon….. [eyes emoji].”
And fans didn’t have to wait long at all as on Thursday (April 3), she shared a video to her Instagram Story in which she confirmed her next book and gave her followers a sneak peek.
In the clip, she told her 2.1 million followers: “Hello! So, a little bit of good news – for me. Remember when I did my children’s book, Dog’s Don’t Dance, my very first children’s book? And you all very kindly loved it, I went into Mia’s school and read it…
“A few of you messaged me and went, ‘You need to do one about Freddie, lol’. ‘Where’s Freddie?’ Well, LOL!” Gemma then lifted up her new book to show the camera and went on: “I’ve got another one! I’ve written another children’s book!”
The mum-of-two explained: “This one’s called ‘Let’s Get Ready’, I won’t give too much away because I’m going on Lorraine to talk about this on Monday, but I’ve used Lisa Hunt again for the illustrations. Lisa’s brilliant! It’s with Scholastic again, so thank you to you guys. It’s out next week but yeah… exciting!”
While she said she wouldn’t give too much away, Gemma proceed to show fans inside the book and said it was “about the chaos of trying to get your kids ready for school in the morning.” She added: “Freddie is basically helping a tired mum get the kids ready for school. I really, really hope you guys like it!”
