'It's a dream come true!' Ex-Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna joins rival soap

Former 'Hollyoaks' star Gemma Merna has joined the cast of 'Coronation Street'.

The 40-year-old actress admitted it is a "dream come true" to sign up for the ITV1 soap, because the Manchester-born star has always wanted to strut her stuff on the famous cobbles one day.

She posted a picture on Instagram in front of Corrie's Rovers Return pub, and wrote: "The news is out.

"I’ve been keeping a little secret.

"I am thrilled to announce that I’ve landed my dream job on @coronationstreet !

"Can you believe it?! I’ve wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it’s truly a dream come true for me.

"It’s been on my vision board for over 10 years, and finally, I got the chance to walk the cobbles. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. (sic)"

Gemma admitted the "best part" of landing her role in 'Coronation Street' was telling her mum.

She added: "I think the best part was ringing my mum and telling her. To my dad, nana, grandad, and grandma, who all watched it for many years, and were huge fans - I hope you’re proud of me up there. (sic)"

Teasing her upcoming role, she wrote: "Rebecca will be gracing your screens in the next coming weeks."

According to Inside Soap magazine, Gemma's alter-ego Rebecca will be a client of lawyer Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), and she will "succumb to his charms".

Gemma is best known for her role as Carmel Valentine in 'Hollyoaks'.

The star appeared in more than 500 episodes of the Channel 4 soap from 2006 to 2014, and one of her biggest storylines saw Carmel left with severe injuries when a tanning machine exploded in her face.

The character was later killed off in an explosion following a train crash at her cousin Porsche McQueen's (Twinnie Lee Moore) wedding.

Since departing 'Oaks', Gemma has gone on to become a yoga instructor, and in 2016, the star admitted she initially didn't think she would act again after 'Hollyoaks'.

She exclusively told BANG Showbiz at the time: "I feel like yoga has got me in a good place, because I took a year out and I didn't feel like I would act again and it's got me in a lovely place."