EVEN as doctors at the psychiatric hospital where she was being treated for an eating disorder gave her 24 hours to live, the young Gemma Oaten dreamed of one day starring in Corrie.
Now 37, the actress who has starred in Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and Holby City finally got her wish as viewers saw her on the famous TV cobbles this week.
In an exclusive interview, Gemma reveals she would not have made it without the support of her mentor and friend, Hollywood A-lister Sir Patrick Stewart.
After recovering from her troubles which started at age ten and dogged her in her teens, Gemma wrote to the TV, stage and screen giant for advice.
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