Gemma Oaten ‘could cry with joy’ as she lands her own radio show

Hull’s Gemma Oaten has landed her own local radio show and she could not be happier.

Soap star Gemma, who is also a well-known presenter and eating disorders awareness campaigner, announced on social media that she will be having her own spot on BBC Radio Humberside, from this Saturday (May 18). Gemma, who has just turned 40, has previously had a taste of broadcasting over the airwaves as a guest presenter.

She said in a post on her Instagram account: “I can't believe I'm writing this. I've been trying to process for such a long time and been dying to share, but I couldn't get my head round it – I’m getting my own show! I could cry with joy.”

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Gemma, who heads up the SEED Eating Disorder Support Service charity that her parents set up in Hull, revealed that when she got the call two months ago, asking if she would be interested in joining BBC Radio Humberside, she was “in a state of shock”. She said her love for radio began when she started listening to Stephanie Hirst on Viking FM as a teenager.

“When I left Emmerdale in a full circle moment, I was interviewed by ace Steph Hirst on Capital Yorkshire and was meant to stay ten minutes – I stayed four hours. After, Steph kindly told me I was a natural and had the magic of radio.”

In a “surreal” follow-up, Gemma covered Capital Breakfast for Steph and went on to do demos, “but timing and opportunities never aligned”, she said. Then she was asked to help co-host on Viking FM’s breakfast show as a stand-in, and was “blown away”.

“Then the call came from Radio Humberside to ask if I'd consider doing my own show on a Saturday over summer, after hearing my past work. Yes! I did a demo for them in London and was put to the test.

“I've never been so nervous, but an hour later I got the call to say I started in May and that I made such an impression, so would I consider doing weekday shows and some weekend breakfast too. Yes again!”

Gemma’s fans are equally thrilled that they will be able to listen to her this summer. One follower said: “This is just brilliant news, Gemma. What could be more fitting than you having your own show on the radio? Plenty of blarney, great good humour and gorgeous authenticity. Well done, you star.”

Another said: “We all knew you could and knew they’d want you. But YOU did this. Natural warmth and fun nature - perfect for the airwaves. Cannot wait to listen my beautiful. Mega proud.”

Responding to Gemma’s announcement, one person replied: “Phenomenal news! Not remotely surprised though because you are a natural presenter and orator. Your eloquence, natural warmth and energy is boundless and you ‘more than deserve’ your place ‘on air’. Can’t wait to tune in.”

Describing herself as “Hull and proud always”, Gemma, who is planning a skydive in support of SEED later this year, thanked all those who had continued to believe in her and kept her pursuing her dreams. She told her followers on X: “So excited to be having my own show in the place I love more than anywhere in the world.”

Gemma’s shows are scheduled as follows:

Summer Saturdays

• May 18 (4pm to 6pm)

• May 25 (2pm to 6pm and thereafter)

• June 8

• June 29

• July 6

• July 27

Weekend Breakfast

• July 20 and 21 (6am to 10am)

Weekdays

• August 19 to 23 (10am to 2pm)

• August 26 to 30 (10am to 2pm)

Gemma will have breaks in between for “holiday, to shadow shows and learn”.