For Gemma Oaten, the word “home” has taken on a deeper, more emotional meaning than ever before. The Emmerdale star, radio presenter, mental health advocate,

and charity champion has revealed she is “dead happy” to be back living in Hull—marking a major life shift after spending the last 16 years based in London.

What might look like a simple change of address is, in reality, a profoundly personal homecoming shaped by healing, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Gemma Oaten with her ‘absolute hero and Hull legend’ Sir Tom Courtenay – and the pot of Hull Chip Spice she gifted to him

Just days before Christmas, Gemma shared what she described as a “major life update,” announcing her decision to leave the capital behind and return to the city where her journey first began. Proudly calling herself a “Hull lass,” Gemma has never hidden her love for her hometown, often championing its spirit, its people, and even its iconic Chip Spice. Now, that pride has come full circle as she settles into a new chapter of her life back where her roots run deepest.

Home for Gemma—and her beloved dog Ruby—is now a cosy rented bungalow in the Sutton Park area of Hull. It’s a quieter pace of life, but one that has brought an unexpected sense of calm and belonging. Despite only being back for a short time, Gemma admits she’s already amazed by how quickly she and Ruby have slipped into a new routine.

“There’s still chaos,” she joked, admitting the garage is full of boxes that didn’t quite fit into the bungalow. But emotionally, she says, the adjustment has been seamless. “It’s only been a month or so and I can’t believe how quickly we’ve settled. It honestly feels like I never left.”

Gemma’s journey away from Hull began nearly two decades ago when she moved to London to study drama at Ealing. The move was a bold leap for a young woman chasing a dream, and it paid off quickly. Within a year of completing her intense training, she landed the role of Rachel Breckle on Emmerdale, launching a career that would put her in the national spotlight.

While filming took her back north to Leeds for a time, Gemma ultimately chose to base herself in London while she could afford it. The capital offered opportunity, exposure, and momentum—and for many years, it made sense. She went on to appear in Coronation Street, built a strong career in radio with BBC Radio Humberside and Radio York, and became a prominent voice in mental health advocacy.

But behind the success, something was quietly missing.

Gemma is a regular presenter on BBC Radio Humberside as well as BBC Radio York

Living through lockdown in London proved to be a turning point. Gemma has spoken candidly about how isolated she felt during that time, often going long stretches without seeing family. Over time, those feelings intensified. She describes the past year as one where she felt increasingly lost, lonely, and insular—a far cry from the confident public figure audiences see on screen and on air.

The idea of returning home stirred complex emotions. When the thought first surfaced, Gemma questioned herself relentlessly. Was this failure? Was she giving up? Was it strange to move back after so long?

The clarity came during a visit home for radio work. Standing with her parents, Marg and Dennis, she said the words that changed everything: “I want to come home.” Not for career reasons, but for life. She wanted to be present. To be a daughter who cooks tea, an aunt who shows up, a familiar face rather than a visitor passing through.

Within a week, fate seemed to intervene.

While visiting Sutton Park to view a different property, Gemma noticed a “To Let” sign outside a bungalow. On impulse, she peeked inside and found tradesmen preparing it for the market. That spontaneous moment became the beginning of her new life. The landlord welcomed her making the space her own—and suddenly, everything fell into place.

The emotional impact of returning has been overwhelming in the best possible way. From strangers saying “welcome home” to neighbours recognising Ruby from Instagram and stopping to chat, Gemma has felt embraced by the city she once feared she’d outgrown.

Simple moments now carry enormous meaning. Bumping into her dad while walking Ruby. Grabbing a morning coffee and feeling known. Being home in time to celebrate her mum’s birthday. Cheering on her nephew Jack as he starts for Hull KR. These aren’t headline-grabbing events—but for Gemma, they are priceless.

Professionally, returning to Hull hasn’t slowed her down—it’s accelerated her sense of purpose. Opportunities have arrived thick and fast, including a new podcast series with Hull Trains focused on mental health. The concept is deeply personal: Gemma interviews guests about their mental health journeys while travelling by train.

The partnership comes full circle. Years ago, when Gemma was a struggling drama student needing to travel home every weekend, Hull Trains sponsored her journeys for two years. That early support never left her—and now, she’s giving back in a way that feels meaningful and aligned with her mission.

Gemma is thrilled to have found her ‘little bungalow’ she is renting in Hull with her pet dog Ruby

She’s also been invited by KCOM to serve as a judge on their Unsung Heroes panel, honouring individuals who quietly make a difference in the community. Winners will be celebrated with dedicated telephone boxes—a tribute that excites Gemma deeply.

Alongside radio work with BBC Radio Humberside and Radio York, more projects are emerging. But Gemma insists it’s not about being busy—it’s about being grounded. “I feel like this is where I was always meant to be,” she says.

Giving back remains central to her life. Gemma has reconnected with Dove House Hospice, with plans to fundraise for specialist cuddle beds—adapted beds that allow loved ones to lie side by side during end-of-life care. The idea moved her to tears when she first heard about it on Radio York, and it struck a deeply emotional chord.

Gemma Oaten and her beloved dog Ruby

Her connection to Dove House goes back to childhood. At just eight years old, she fundraised for the hospice through the Humberside Police Lifestyle Project, selling handmade creations and even taking part in a charity walk across the Humber Bridge in her pyjamas.

Gemma is also CEO of SEED (Support and Empathy for People with Eating Disorders), the Hull-based charity founded by her parents 25 years ago. As the charity approaches its milestone anniversary, there will be celebrations—and transitions. Gemma plans to step down from her CEO role and return as patron, allowing her parents to retire while she continues advocating without carrying the daily weight of running the organisation.

“It’s bloody hard work,” she admits honestly. “But I’ll always be the face of SEED, and I’ll always fight for it.”

For Gemma Oaten, coming home isn’t about retreat—it’s about reclaiming balance, identity, and joy. After years of survival, ambition, and service, she’s found something quietly powerful in Hull: peace. And this time, she’s not leaving it behind.