Gemma Atkinson promises Carly Hope WILL return to Emmerdale

Gemma Atkinson has vowed she WILL return to Emmerdale… but may need a good holiday first.

The soap star has promised viewers will see her character Carly Hope back in the Dales after exiting in June – but admitted she’s unsure of the timeline just yet.

Gemma has promised her character Carly Hope will return to Emmerdale [Credit: ITV]

Read more: EastEnders fans fear for Lauren after explosive showdown with Abi

Understandably, Gemma’s a bit busy these days training for Strictly Come Dancing and, if she’s as successful on the show as bookies reckon she will be, she’ll be pretty tied up until Christmas.

But amid all the glittery excitement, she’s not forgotten her promise to return to Emmerdale.

Speaking to Digital Spy this week, she said: “Carly Hope will go back at some point. But I might want a holiday at the end of [Strictly Come Dancing].”

Carly got down on one knee in her last episode – but Marlon said no [Credit: ITV]

Emmerdale fans were gutted earlier this summer when Carly said goodbye to the Dales to start a new life with ex-boyfriend Matt.

After splitting from Marlon Dingle when he refused her proposal, she was seen driving off in a taxi ready to start afresh elsewhere.

But Gemma has made it clear since then that she always intended Carly to return.

Gemma has always promised to bring Carly back [Credit: ITV]

“I think she’ll go off but eventually come back not to cause trouble but maybe to make amends,” she told Metro shortly after her exit scenes aired.

“Hopefully she will find Marlon happy with someone else.

“I’m 100% sure Carly will return.

“It’s just a case of working out why and when and who she can mess up!”

In the meantime, Gemma’s focus is 100 per cent on Strictly Come Dancing, where she’s already one of the bookies’ favourites to pick up the Glitterball Trophy despite not even taking to the dancefloor yet!

The blonde has been paired with pro dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, who is currently whipping her into shape ahead of the first performance show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BY3oOZOghr3/?hl=en&taken-by=aljazskorjanec

But it’s Gemma’s rumoured relationship with another pro dancer that is making headlines…

Read more: Hollywood star joins EastEnders for ‘explosive’ new storyline

According to The Sun, she’s sparked speculation of a romance with Gorka Marquez after they were apparently unable to stay away from each other in group rehearsals.

Gorka is teamed with Alexandra Burke on this year’s Strictly [Credit: Instagram @gorka_marquez]

A source told the paper: “There is definitely something developing — everyone can see there’s an obvious attraction.”

So far Gemma and Gorka have yet to comment but if it’s true, wow, what a power couple!