AN ACTRESS from the city is set to become a household name after securing a role in hit ITV soap Emmerdale.
Gemma Oaten, 27, will play regular character Rachel Breckle in the programme, which is watched by 8.5 million viewers.
She will begin filming within weeks and appear on television screens next month.
The actress, who is from east Hull, said she was over the moon about her new role.
She said: "I'm thrilled to be joining Emmerdale.
"I've always watched the show and getting the part of Rachel is a dream come true.
"She is a fantastic character and I'm so excited about filming my first scenes."
Gemma's fiesty character Rachel is described as defensive and argumentative, with a no-nonsense approach.
She will be seen staunchly defending her niece Amelia after she's accused of bullying Samson Dingle and her sharp retorts will soon prove she's a force to be reckoned with.
Emmerdale series producer Stuart Blackburn said: "I'm delighted to welcome Gemma to the cast.
"Rachel will certainly ruffle a few feathers with her straight-talking approach, but beneath the surface she is fiercely loyal with a hidden heart of gold."
Gemma went to Malet Lambert School, where she gained an A* GCSE grade in drama.
In her early 20s, she worked a chambermaid, a cleaner and a shop assistant. She then undertook a year-long course at Drama Studio London, which finished last July.
The talented actress managed to secure a top agent before her course finished and attracted the likes of Hull-born acting stalwart Tom Courtenay to her showcase.
She landed a guest role in BBC One's Doctors within months of graduating.
Gemma's success comes after she battled anorexia for more than a decade, developing the illness when she was just 10.
Her mother, Marg, set up Seed Eating Disorders Support Services with her husband Dennis and friend Val Hunter in 2000.
The charity helps people with eating disorders, their families and carers.
Marg, who was last year appointed a Member of the Order Of The British Empire (MBE) for services to fighting eating disorders, said she is incredibly proud of Gemma.
She said: "She has come so far. We are so proud of her. She has turned her life around and is an inspiration."
Marg said she was overwhelmed with emotion when she found out about Gemma's role in Emmerdale.
"I don't think we stopped crying for a week," she said. "We couldn't believe it. It's going to be life-changing for her.
"She is at a place in her life where all her hard work has paid off. Her talent shone through. People have seen something very special in her as a performer and an actress.
"She has gone on to secure a place that people only dream of and it's absolutely fantastic."
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