Coronation Street’s Dolly-Rose Campbell, who has portrayed Gemma Winter since 2014, is set to leave the soap after a decade, leaving fans heartbroken.
Her character, Gemma, has been at the centre of many dramatic storylines in Weatherfield, from hiding her criminal past to raising quadruplets Aled, Bryn, Carys and Llio with husband Chesney.
The stressed-out mum was diagnosed with post-natal depression after the birth of her children and had to juggle multiple jobs to keep her family afloat. Recently, she was left devastated by the death of her twin brother Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year.
His death deeply affected Gemma, causing concern among her family as she struggled to cope with his loss. In Monday’s episode, despite protests from Chesney, she returned to work at The Rovers Return but became overwhelmed and sought refuge in the back of the pub.
She was comforted by her brother Kit, who suggested a friend’s cottage in the Lake District as a potential getaway for Gemma.
After enduring months of stress, she finally agrees to take a break from Weatherfield, spurred on by her husband’s understanding of the importance for Gemma to concentrate on her mental health for both her wellbeing and that of their young family.
Devoted Corrie fans expressed their dismay at her decision for an indefinite hiatus from the ITV soap, taking to the official Coronation Street Facebook page to convey their regret, reports the Mirror.
“She is playing her character so well and going through hell,” one fan posted, while another concurred, “Can’t blame her for needing a breather to find herself again.”
“Hope she comes back soon,” pined one viewer; however, another was taken aback by the suddenness of her leave: “Seems a bit sudden.”
Meanwhile, back in Weatherfield, Chesney faces difficulties juggling work at Prima Doner and caring for the kids at home. To make matters worse, while Kirk steps in at the kebab shop, he unwittingly serves a health inspector, which might mean trouble for Chesney.
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