Former Emmerdale star Gemma Oaten has reflected on a past relationship that left her ‘with nothing’.
The actress, who rose to fame as Rachel Breckle on the ITV soap, took to social media to share some words of wisdom with her followers after a trip to the hairdressers.
The soap star, who also appeared in Coronation Street, showed off a new do as she opened up about how she’s struggled to allow herself ‘treats’ due to money worries, particularly in lockdown, and addressed a previous relationship that left her with nothing.
She wrote: ‘I made no secret of my struggles during lockdown & how I had no clue how I was going to keep a roof over my head with my tour being cancelled due to the pandemic also still recovering from a past relationship that left me with nothing at the hands of someone who took it all…’
The 39-year-old previously addressed the ‘unhealthy’ relationship in a post in January when reflecting on her journey with beloved dog Ruby.
‘When I first became the Fur Mum of @ruby_schnoodle_tuesday_ 6 years ago, I was in a relationship that was beyond unhealthy,’ she wrote on Instagram.
‘I did everything I could to protect her, to the detriment of myself, as arguments would ensue of me “taking her away & being selfish” he would turn anything he could on me after love bombing, gas lighting – the works. However I am also accountable. I was so desperate to please & to be loved…
‘Back to Ruby. The truth was – if I’d have left her with them, she wouldn’t be here & if I’d have stayed with with her, for him, I probably wouldn’t be here either.
‘I left. I took the dog. I lost everything. He took everything monetary from me, but he didn’t take me.’
Gemma revealed that, for years, she denied herself the ‘love of theatre or the self care on a manicure or a blow dry’ but reminded her followers that such things are extremely important.
‘Doing things for YOU is so important,’ she said.
Gemma recently returned to Doctors, which is set to end after BBC axed the serial after 23 years.
The actress’ first ever TV role was in the daytime drama and thus she was delighted to have had the chance to return ahead of its conclusion.
‘This is the thing about Doctors, it was a training ground for so many up & coming actors & they gave us a chance,’ she explained.
‘So to be able to return before it ends for good is such a blessing, tinged with sadness of course, as we lose such a brilliant show & platform.’
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