Gemma Atkinson couldn't help but make a cheeky dig at her Hits Radio co-host after her maternity replacement was revealed. Former Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent will keep Gemma's seat warm while she heads off to welcome baby number two.
Brooke, who is famed for playing Sophie Webster in the ITV soap but hasn't been seen on screen since 2019 when the character left in the back of a taxi, has been announced as the new host for Hits Radio’s evening show, from 4pm to 7pm, and will be heard across radiowaves with Mike Toolan from June 5.
The news follows speculation about who was to fill in for Gemma - due to give birth to her second child, a baby boy, with Strictly Come Dancing star fiance Gorka Marquez this summer - after the 38-year-old enjoyed her last show last week.
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Sharing the news on Instagram, Brooke, 30, who has previous radio experience having hosted Key 103 alongside Mike as well as co-hosted specials for the station. posted an image of her in the Hits Radio studio as she prepares for her first shift in her first big role since leaving Corrie to have her two children.
"The News It Out!!! " Brooke declared. "I am absolutely over the moon to be covering Gemma on her maternity leave & keeping old Toolan @miketoolan in check on @hitsradiouk! You can tune in from Monday 5th June to hear my little dulcet tones!!! From 4pm-7pm on your drive time home."
She then added: "@glouiseatkinson Keep your phone on loud! I may need your help." But Gemma was quick to respond and make a cheeky comment at Mike's expenses as she said: "You’ll smash it!!! Good luck (with Tools obv)."
Meanwhile, Brooke's showbiz pals, followers and fans were all quick to congratulate her on her new gig. Corrie star Sally Carman-Duttine said; "Oh now this is superb!" Former Love Island star and businessman Scott Thomas replied: "Class," with a string of applause emojis.
Ex-EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton commented: "This is AMAZING. THRILLED for you mumma." Caroline Thomas, who is married to Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas, shared: "So proud of you!!! Couldn’t think of anyone that deserves it more!" Rapper Wretch 32 also added: "Congrats girl."
@missbyron_x replied; "Amazing Brooke well done and good luck." @leahparker_ commented: "Amazing news! You’ll smash it. Good luck." @bernadette_oreilly70 shared: "Fantastic news. You’ll be a natural." @hits_throwbacks_ typed: "Congratulations! look forward to hearing you and Mike from the 5th June." @clarespinks26 added: "Ahh good luck Brooke, u will smash it!!!! Gemma good luck with baby no 2 and enjoy maternity leave."
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