Gemma Atkinson 'has quit Emmerdale to focus on her Bollywood and radio presenting career'

By Mail Online Reporter

Published: 04:02 EST, 9 February 2017 | Updated: 05:21 EST, 9 February 2017

Gemma Atkinson has quit Emmerdale.

The 32-year-old actress - who plays Carly Hope in the ITV soap - will be reportedly 'taking an extended break' from the role so she can focus on her Bollywood career.

A source told The Sun: 'Gemma has loved her time in 'Emmerdale' and isn't saying it's for good.

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Quitting: Gemma Atkinson, who plays Carly Hope in the Emmerdale, is reportedly quitting to focus on her Bollywood career

Quitting: Gemma Atkinson, who plays Carly Hope in the Emmerdale, is reportedly quitting to focus on her Bollywood career

'But she's taking an extended break to focus on other avenues. She loves doing the radio and also wants to broaden her horizons on the acting front.'

The star is said to have made her decision last week.  

It comes after Gemma - who made her Bollywood debut in thriller Fever in 2016 - recently confirmed she would be joining the Breakfast team at Key 103 radio in Manchester from February. 

She said at the time: 'It's official!!!! I'll be joining the @key103manchester Breakfast team from February 2017 ... So happy to be part of such a wonderful team. Tune in from 6am until 10am weekdays. (sic)'

Quitting: Gemma has been in the Dales since 2015, pictured here with Mark Charnock as Marlon Dingle 

Quitting: Gemma has been in the Dales since 2015, pictured here with Mark Charnock as Marlon Dingle 

Bollywood debut: The actress appeared in the movie Fever last year and is apparently interested in furthering her career in Bollywood 

Bollywood debut: The actress appeared in the movie Fever last year and is apparently interested in furthering her career in Bollywood 

And Gemma previously admitted she was 'really excited' about starring in a Bollywood movie.

She told The Sunday People last year: 'It's really exciting. I've had loads of nice messages from people over in India. Being involved with a Bollywood is amazing. Someone told me their film scene is bigger than Hollywood and I couldn't believe it.' 

She added to The Sun: 'It was an incredible experience and I’d definitely love to work more in Bollywood — if the script was great and the chance came around.' 

Radio star: Gemma recently confirmed she would be joining the Breakfast team at Key 103 radio in Manchester from February

Radio star: Gemma recently confirmed she would be joining the Breakfast team at Key 103 radio in Manchester from February

The brunette beauty recently confessed she is in no rush to start dating again after she split from fitness trainer Olly Foster last year.

She said at the time: 'Sometimes there are people in your life and it's just not working out the way you thought. We'll always be in each other's life but just as friends.

'We went on a road trip the other week together. Now I can't get away with ditching sessions as he's quite strict with me. I'm happily single. I've got the dogs and lots going on professionally. It's nice to be on my own for a bit.

'I have not even thought about dating. I will give it a few months. I'm one of those people who like their own company. I don't need anyone.' 

Mail Online has reached out to a representative for Gemma for comment.  

Bidding farewell: Gemma's character is expected to be written out of the soap in the next few months 

Bidding farewell: Gemma's character is expected to be written out of the soap in the next few months 

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