Former Emmerdale star Gemma Atkinson has disappointed fans as she gives an update on whether or not Carly Hope will ever return to the soap.

Fans will remember that Gemma played Bob’s fiery daughter Carly from 2015 to 2017. And despite only being on the show for two years, she quickly became a fan-favourite.

Gemma’s character Carly had a close relationship with Marlon Dingle, along with his daughter, April. So if she had been in the village now, we’re sure she would have been involved in April’s big storyline. But unfortunately, it seems Gemma doesn’t have any plans to return to the show.

Emmerdale return for Gemma Atkinson?

Speaking to The Mirror, Gemma admitted she “would love to go back to acting” but that soaps won’t be a part of her future.

She said: “I would love to do a one off drama where there was a start date and an end date. So I could plan my childcare around it.”

But it seems going back to a soap would be “unrealistic” for Gemma, due to her and her partner, Gorka’s conflicting schedules.

Gemma admitted: “Gorka starts Strictly Come Dancing from July. So, from July until Christmas he is wherever his dance partner is based. So, it’s all up in the air.

“To go back to a soap wouldn’t really be realistic because the hours are so few and far between. You’re either 12 hours a day or two hours a day. And the schedule can change at the drop of a hat.”

Gemma still watches Emmerdale

Despite knowing she won’t return to Emmerdale, Gemma looks back fondly at her time there, and admitted she is still Team Marlon.

She said: “I loved my time on the soaps. I am where I am now because of them. But now that I have children, I wouldn’t be able to commit to them.

“I do still watch Emmerdale. And I don’t want Marlon to be killed off. I want Mark Charnock to stay on the show.”

We’re glad to hear that Gemma will always appreciate her time there, even if we will never get to see Carly on our screens again!