Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten has publicly announced she is now single in a remarkably open and heartfelt Instagram post. The performer, best known for her role as Rachel Breckle in the long-running ITV soap, has chosen to share intimate details about the conclusion of her recent romance, while simultaneously promoting a positive message about self-contentment and emotional wellbeing.
A Candid Social Media Revelation
In a video recorded from her sofa while wearing a pink jumper, the 41-year-old actress addressed her followers directly, framing the personal update as "breaking news." She declared herself to be "single but content," and emphasised, "I am single. DOUBLE BREAKING NEWS: I'm actually quite happy to be so." This public disclosure marks a significant moment, as Oaten has historically kept the identities of her romantic partners private.
The Emotional Weight of Relationships
Oaten did not shy away from discussing the more challenging aspects of her past relationship. She spoke candidly about a "specific kind of heaviness that comes with feeling lonely in a relationship," describing it as "a weight you don't have to carry anymore." Despite acknowledging the hurt involved, she was keen to stress that her heart remains open. "Don't get me wrong, my heart is not closed. Anybody who knows me knows that I am such an open book—hence why I probably get hurt a lot!" she explained.
Normalising Solitude and Prioritising Mental Health
A central theme of her message was the importance of normalising the choice to be single. "I really want to try and normalise the conversation that you don't have to be in a relationship," Oaten stated. She connected this directly to mental wellbeing, adding, "Sometimes life doesn't work out the way you thought it 'had' to, and you realise that being solo is actually the best route for you and your mental health right now."
She concluded her post with a powerful affirmation of her current state, asserting, "It's not a waiting room; it's a destination. I'm doing more than okay; I'm thriving."
A Soap-Worthy Romantic History
Gemma Oaten's own love life has occasionally mirrored the dramatic storylines of the soaps she has starred in. Her most high-profile relationship was with DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles a decade ago. The pair met at the TV Choice Awards in September 2016 and enjoyed a well-publicised romance, including a trip to Edinburgh, before it ended.
Prior to that, she was linked to Andy Barnes in 2014 and had a relationship with Scott Walker that lasted just over a year. In recent years, she has opted to keep her romantic interests away from the public eye.
A Distinguished Acting Career
Gemma Oaten is primarily recognised for her portrayal of Rachel Breckle in Emmerdale from 2011 to 2015, a role which earned her a British Soap Award nomination for Best Newcomer. Since leaving the Dales, her career has flourished across television and film.
Her notable credits include:
- Rise of the Footsoldier: The Pat Tate Story
- Holby City
- Coronation Street – where she is set to join the cast as a new love interest for Tyrone Dobbs
Beyond the screen, Oaten has also built an impressive theatre career, performing in productions such as Bedroom Farce and Up 'n' Under in venues across the UK. Her latest personal revelation adds a new, deeply human chapter to her public profile, one focused on authenticity and self-care.
