Ex-Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has announced she is back on the market, sharing on Instagram that she feels “content” with how events have unfolded.
Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten is now single.
The 41-year-old, who portrayed Rachel Breckle on the soap from 2011 to 2015, revealed she has ended things with her unnamed boyfriend. Gemma opened up about experiencing a sense of “loneliness” during the relationship and admitted she feels “happy” being on her own.
On Instagram, she told fans: “I am single. DOUBLE BREAKING NEWS: I’m actually quite happy to be so.”
She added: “Honestly… there’s a unique heaviness that comes with feeling lonely in a relationship. It’s a burden you no longer have to carry.”
“Don’t get me wrong, my heart isn’t closed,” she explained, adding: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m an open book—probably why I get hurt so often!
“But I really want to help normalise the idea that you don’t need to be in a relationship to be okay.”
Gemma continued: “Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you expected, and you realise that being on your own can actually be the healthiest choice for you right now. It’s not a waiting period; it’s a destination. I’m more than fine; I’m thriving.”
Alongside a video where she talked about her love life, Gemma said: “Honestly, who needs the drama when I’ve got my dog? That’s what truly matters. So here’s a little video explaining why some recent conversations I’ve had aren’t about anyone else—it’s just strange that people feel the need to ask.
“Let’s stop and challenge the stigma… It’s completely fine to be single.”
In the clip, she addressed comments people make about her being single that she doesn’t agree with. “Do I choose people who hurt me? I don’t,” she explained.
“And then there’s the whole, ‘there’s someone out there for everyone’ line. Well, I’m my own someone! I just want to say—ladies and gents—if you’re single and content with it, don’t feel pressured to justify yourself.”
Gemma was previously in a relationship with DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, which ended in 2016. She also dated Andy Barnes in 2014 and spent just over a year with Scott Walker. Nowadays, she chooses to keep her romantic partners private.
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