SHOW RIVAL

mags 10 years ago and was glad to get out while it was at its peak.” She says promoting a positive body image is important. “I’m 5ft 9in and I’ve got broad shoulders. I’m never going to be a petite size eight.

“But I can be strong and fit and healthy, so if I was any sort of role model I’d like to inspire young girls to be the best version of themselves they can.” Gemma has just signed up for another year of breakfast radio on Key 103 but does not rule out a return to Emmerdale, where she played Carly Hope for two years. “I love the show and all the people on it,” she says. “I left in March and it’s been left open, so I’d love to pop back.” Also on her wish-list is TV presenting. An avid animal lover – she is heavily involved with Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Ramsbottom, Bury – Gemma would love to get involved with wildlife documentaries. But for now she needs to be thinking about that glitterball prize, although Aljaz tells her not to. She says: “That’s one thing Aljaz says – don’t look ahead to anything past Saturday.”

She’s already thanked him for all his hard work. Aljaz is a huge Manchester United fan, so Gemma introduced him to her pal Ryan Giggs. “We a went with some of my old schoolfriends to George’s Restaurant, which is Ryan’s. Aljaz said it was like meeting a legend. I’ve known Ryan for about 15 years now. We had mutual friends, I never dated him.”

Strictly’s harshest judge Craig Revel Horwood has picked out Gemma as one of the contenders to lift the trophy.

But she has been brought to tears by the show. “It was after our first dance, the cha cha. I was petrified but afterwards Aljaz said, ‘Congratulations, you just opened Strictly Come Dancing 2017’, and I was so chuffed. I’ll remember that moment for ever.” Unless it gets trumped by a glitterball win, of course.

Strictly Come Dancing, BBC1, tonight at 6.50pm.