Gemma Merna on her exit from 'Hollyoaks': 'I’d love to strip the make-up off and go back to basics'

Actress Gemma Merna made a dramatic exit from the British soap opera 'Hollyoaks' last night after 8 years of playing the well-loved character of Carmel McQueen and she recently sat down for a chat with Pressparty about her decision to leave the show as well as to talk about her plans for the future.

You're about to leave 'Hollyoaks' after 8 years of playing the well-loved character of Carmel McQueen, how does it feel to be wrapping things up after such a long time?

Yes, I did my last scene about 2 weeks ago and it’s going to get shown on the 11th of November. I’m so excited. I’ve had an amazing ending to the show and I feel like it’s all been finished lovely… it’s a perfect ending for Carmel really. I can’t wait to get onto my next project and to see what’s next.

Do you feel as though the storyline was everything you hoped for in terms of your character's end?

Yeah, and more. They really did do Carmel justice in trying to take her out on a high and trying to make sure her character was remembered forever really. It was definitely emotional leaving. I’ve not left because I don’t get on with people or I don’t like the place… I love everybody who works there. The crew and everyone is amazing, but I just felt like I needed a new challenge and new adventures in my life. It’s the right time. It’s very upsetting leaving everyone behind, but it still feels the right thing that I’ve done.

Are there any memories from being on set that you'll take with you?

The friends that I’ve made there… I’ve made some friends for life. I’ll always be very, very close to them. It’s lovely to have these friendships and I wouldn’t have found them if it hadn’t been for 'Hollyoaks'.

What are your hopes and goals for the future? Is there anything in particular you would love to get stuck into?

I’d love to strip the make-up off and go back to basics, to show people what I can do. It’s more of a challenge for myself as well… to get a script and to go, ‘yeah, this is a great character. Let’s see what we can do with her.’ I just signed with a new agent and we’re just seeing what’s available and what I’d like to play. It’s a very exciting time, it’s like a new life starting. It’s brilliant.

You took part in reality celebrity diving show 'Splash' at the beginning of this year, what was that experience like?

It was lovely. I’m a team player… I know the show was about winning, but I wasn’t interested in that. Water and heights are big fears of mine, but I tackled that as part of a team and we got through it together. Our week was so strong as I had that mentality and a few other people did as well. You’re better as a team than on your own. I think that shocked a lot of people about me because I think they assume as an actress you’re out for yourself. I love being around other people and being part of a team… it was a big, scary challenge, but it was a brilliant life experience.

You recently shot a stunning 2015 Calendar (pictured below) and it's obvious that you really take care of yourself. What's your fitness routine like and what motivates you to stay in shape?

The calendar motivated me... and so did turning 30! It’s a little bit harder to keep in shape now. It was a confidence boost that they asked me to do a calendar. For me it was about being natural and showing wet hair... being on the beach and just being a woman. Not having loads of make-up or big hair, which was all my idea. I like fitness as it makes me feel good mentally. If you have a stressful job, it’s good to get the endorphins going. I train in the gym two or three times a week, and also do yoga or Pilates around that. I walk my dogs and go swimming… I like to mix it up a little so that I don’t get bored. I don’t listen to that much music when I’m working out, I have some good running songs though.

So what's next for you?

At the moment, I’m looking at some new scripts. I don’t really know what’s next but I’m sure over the next few months I’ll be doing some new things. I’ll go full steam ahead 100% if I feel like something’s right for me. I’d love to do a drama, so that’s a goal next year to try and get into something like that. I hope it would be something completely different from soaps.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I love old soul music, I always have that on. I went to a Halloween party recently and the DJ played all soul music all night and every single song was amazing, everyone was dancing all night. I listen to that every single day. I got to meet Jason Derulo and Rizzle Kicks when they came on Hollyoaks, but I’m a bit too old for all that!

Do you have any top beauty tips for us?

Always wash your make-up off at the end of the day, always put conditioning treatments on your hair, and try to keep out of the sun as much as possible. If you look after your skin you can go as long as possible and still look youthful.

Watch behind-the-scenes footage from the promo shoot for the 'Hollyoaks: End Of The Line' special here: