A FORMER Emmerdale actress has revealed the shocking truth about COVID forcing her to go on benefits.
Former Emmerdale actress, Gemma Oaten, opened up about what it was like for her financially during the COVID pandemic.
Gemma, who played Rachel Breckle on Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015, spoke to Donna Ferguson at the Financial Mail on Sunday about the impacts of COVID on her finances.
Despite always being good with money, COVID caused Gemma to lose her job and a way to support herself so she turned to Universal Credit: "I got no compensation. All the theatres were closed, the TV studios stopped producing, and I had no money coming in.
"People think if you've been on television, you must have money. But I was renting and I started having sleepless nights about my bills.
"I went on Universal Credit. I was on it for about a year, and I also got the self-employment grant from the Government."
Read our soap spoilers blog for the latest updates and news…
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Coronation Street: Secrets could be spilled and Audrey is in for a shock
Audrey’s son is back on the Cobbles, and is set to be in charge of her finances.
Stephen is set to become the new boss of Underworld.
However the illusive character will be given control over Audrey’s finances, her family worry that he will take advantage of his mother.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Guess who’s back! Shane Richie returning to EastEnders
EastEnders fans will be delighted to know Shane Richie is returning to the soap as cheeky chappy Alfie Moon.
He was last seen on the soap in January 2019, when he escaped Walford after stealing money from Phil Mitchell.
Richie, 58, told BBC News Online it was “an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square”.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with some old cast mates and meeting some new ones,” added the entertainer, who appeared on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2020.
“The new exec producer Chris Clenshaw has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no?!
“I can’t wait.”
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Is Phil Mitchell leaving EastEnders?
After shocking scenes sent fans into a frenzy when a body bag was wheeled out of Phil Mitchell’s cell, it looked like it really was curtains for the Square’s gangster.
However, he made a shock reappearance in Peggy’s bar, revealing he was not the one who died in the brawl that broke out in his prison cell.
What’s more, actor Steve McFadden has been spotted filming upcoming scenes, it looks like Phil will be making an explosive comeback.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Coronation Street: Nicky leaves the show for good?
Viewers said goodbye to Nicky shortly, as her actress revealed plans to exit the show.
When asked on social media why she hadn’t been in recent episodes, Kimberly Hart-Simpson said: “Okkkk, let’s get this answered because it’s heavy in the inbox.
“So it’s not a case of leaving Corrie. It’s more that I came back for a storyline which , for now, has been completed.
“If you watched Friday’s eps you will see there as no big leaving sine, so you know for the future, but what i do know is this… I owe so much to Corrie, and I absolutely love it there – the people – the vibe – the street.
“Life happens in chapters – and I am looking forward to the next part.”
Ooer!
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Hollyoaks: Sienna and Damon embroiled in murder plot
After learning that her beloved partner Warren killed Brody, Sienna is left disturbed after Warren tried to frame Damon.
Sienna decided to warn Damon of exactly what Warren was up to, and the two come to the agreement to turn to the ominous Undertaker.
When The Undertaker explains she won’t be involving herself in the demise of Warren, Sienna hatches a deliciously deadly plan to torture Warren.
Will he admit to killing Brody? Or will Sienna take matters into her own hands and kill him?
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Emmerdale: Sandra is keeping a worrying secret from her family
Daughter Liv discovers that her mother owes local gangster Terry thousands in cash.
Liv offers to pay off the £4,000 debt, but is that all she is keeping from her daughter?
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Coronation Street: Maria terrified as stalker follows her every move
Maria Connor made the chilling discovery that her stalker had placed tracking software on her mobile phone.
She has no option but to go to the police, but Jimmy turns up at her home and tells her she will severely regret opening her mouth.
Will Maria be able to shake off her creepy stalker
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
EastEnders: Ben could tell Callum the truth of what really happened with Lewis
Ben Mitchell’s husband, Callum Highway, believes Ben had an affair with Lewis, but Ben was actually sexually abused.
Callum thinks Ben cheated on him with Lewis, but Ben has actually been dealing with the trauma of being raped by the barman.
After Jay takes him on holiday to take his mind off things, Callum beings to warm to Ben upon his return.
Kheerat offers Ben some advice which spurs Ben to contact Callum.
However, shocking scenes will unravel showing Ben being shockingly arrested for his unprovoked attack on Peter Beale.
Could this be the start of Ben opening up about his rape?
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Corrie star Jamie Kenna UNVEILS Phil’s plan for Fiz
Jamie Kenna has unveiled Phil’s new plan for Fiz after their wedding in Friday’s episode of Corrie.
Kenna told Digital Spy that her actions were down to “cold feet” and that “there’s something worth fighting for.”
He added: “I don’t think he [realises she’s back with Tyrone],” the actor added. “Again he’s not stupid, he knows that Tyrone still has feelings and there’s history there and that will be running through his head, but there’ll be a million options running through his head as to why this has happened.
“It’ll be one of the things going through his mind but I think he’ll dismiss it because he’ll think well, if it’s that, why has it not happened before. If she wanted to be with Tyrone she’s had plenty of opportunities – with the book, the mistakes that Phill’s made, the fact she moved back in with Tyrone. So I don’t think it’s his number one choice as to why this has happened.”
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Hollyoaks: Election sabotage for Zara and Tony
Election day will finally arrive as Zara is encouraged to rig the election by playing dirty.
Cindy tells Zara to try and play dirty, but Zara has said she doesn’t want to.
Zara wants to make a dementia friendly village in the wake of Luke’s passing.
Tony is threatened by Zara, and sabotages his own campaign!
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Guess who’s back! Shane Richie returning to EastEnders
EastEnders fans will be delighted to know Shane Richie is returning to the soap as cheeky chappy Alfie Moon.
He was last seen on the soap in January 2019, when he escaped Walford after stealing money from Phil Mitchell.
Richie, 58, told BBC News Online it was “an absolute honour and privilege to be asked back to my TV home of Albert Square”.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with some old cast mates and meeting some new ones,” added the entertainer, who appeared on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2020.
“The new exec producer Chris Clenshaw has been instrumental in wanting to bring Alfie Moon back with some wonderful storylines… and who am I to say no?!
“I can’t wait.”
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Emmerdale spoilers: Chas Dingle and Al Chapman’s affair faces complication
Chas Dingle’s and Al Chapman’s affair is becoming increasingly complicated in Emmerdale.
Digital Spy reports that Al may be developing feelings for Chas after he promised he’d text her when he’s back from Dubai.
Chas joked: “We’re not in a relationship, remember.”
But if Al is developing feelings for Chas, this could rock the entire Dingle family when they are already vulnerable.
- Ije Teunissen-Oligboh
Corrie star Jamie Kenna UNVEILS Phil’s plan for Fiz
Jamie Kenna has unveiled Phil’s new plan for Fiz after their wedding in Friday’s episode of Corrie.
Kenna told Digital Spy that her actions were down to “cold feet” and that “there’s something worth fighting for.”
He added: “I don’t think he [realises she’s back with Tyrone],” the actor added. “Again he’s not stupid, he knows that Tyrone still has feelings and there’s history there and that will be running through his head, but there’ll be a million options running through his head as to why this has happened.
“It’ll be one of the things going through his mind but I think he’ll dismiss it because he’ll think well, if it’s that, why has it not happened before. If she wanted to be with Tyrone she’s had plenty of opportunities – with the book, the mistakes that Phill’s made, the fact she moved back in with Tyrone. So I don’t think it’s his number one choice as to why this has happened.”
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