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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose looks unrecognisable 12 years after starring on ITV show

Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose looks unrecognisable 12 years after the much-loved ITV show ended.

The actress, now 51, played fashion-conscious barmaid Gina Ward from 1993 to 2010.

Known for her quirky style in the 60s-set show, Gina was a huge hit with fans, who loved to see her behind the bar of the Aidenfield Arms.

Tricia stepped back from the spotlight when the show ended and in recent pics looks a world away from her days in the show.

Now sporting blonde hair, the actress is unrecognisable as the bubbly barmaid, but she still looks amazing and years younger than her actual age.

Heartbeat started in 1992 and starred former EastEnders heartthrob Nick Berry.

Tricia joined the second series in 1993 and stayed in the role until the programme ended in 2010.

She then made a few appearances as Gina in Heartbeat spin-off The Royal.

The actress also popped up in Corrie, Emmerdale, The Bill, Dancin' Thru The Dark and legal drama Justice. She was also a Celebrity Big Brother housemate in 2013.

The actress was married to Mark Simpkin and they have two children, but according to The Sun they decided to call it quits last year.

Tricia and Mark wed back in 2003 and reportedly renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary.

The couple's wedding was a star -studded affair and was held at the swanky Adlington Hall in Cheshire in 2003.

Photos from the big day were featured in Hello! magazine at the time – and Tricia wore her dress again for her vow renewal in 2013.

Talking to Great British Life in 2014 about her future career plans, the star said: "I played Gina for 18 years so that is a massive part of me, but I would love to something different.

Tricia has since moved into the world of broadcasting and now works as a radio presenter on Radio Wirral.

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