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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

ITV Coronation Street: Real life of Gemma Winter star Dolly-Rose Campbell - dramatically different look and sexuality acceptance

When character Gemma Winter was cast in Coronation Street, it was only intended to be a temporary role. But actress Dolly-Rose Campbell and her fans managed to convince ITV bosses otherwise.

Gemma first hit the cobbles in 2014 and has gone on to star in action-packed storylines - from a criminal past to mothering quadruplets with Chesney Brown. Dolly-Rose has twice been crowned funniest female in the soap world for her portrayal of Gemma.

But, away from the cameras, the actress leads a very different life. Dolly-Rose keeps her personal matters fairly private, but here is what we know about her:

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The 34-year-old is from Salford. Her first TV gig was in daytime soap Doctors, where she played Sasha Dyson in 2010 for a number of episodes.

Dolly's character of Gemma is often filmed wearing bright make-up with pink lipstick and blue eyeshadow, while her bleached blonde hair is always in a playful updo, either in buns, bunches, or a high ponytail. She then pairs the look with big hoop earrings.

Loudmouth barmaid Gemma Winter (Coronation Street/ITV)

Away from set, Dolly sports a more pared-back and understated image. She wears her naturally curly hair and minimal make-up.

For events and glamorous red carpets, Dolly has worn floral dresses with sophisticated make-up, and for the Diva Awards in 2019 in particular, she wowed fans with a power suit and bodice, with a bold red lip.

Dolly-Rose Campbell attends the Diva Awards 2019 (Getty Images)

Gemma's love life has been at the centre of some of Corrie's explosive scenes - from her one night stand with Tyrone to her fling with faux-millionaire Henry Newton. She is now settled with takeaway worker Chesney Brown, raising their four babies.

While the actress's real relationships have been kept under wraps, she did come out as bisexual in 2019. Dolly revealed she credits Manchester Pride as the reason she has been able to accept her sexuality.

She said: “I have been coming to Pride for over a decade now, the love and acceptance shown by the people of Manchester allowed me to accept my bisexuality and be proud of who I am.”

Coronation Street actress Dolly-Rose Campbell runs around the Corrie float at Manchester Pride (Andrew Stuart/MEN)

Dolly added: "The work that Manchester Pride does throughout the year to engage with and create opportunities for people in Manchester’s LGBT+ community and beyond makes a huge difference to so many people’s lives.”

Dolly-Rose also said she wants to focus on helping others come to terms with their sexuality in her role as ambassador for the annual LGBTQ+ event. In her own life, she has been supported by her nearest and dearest with her sexuality, reports Daily Star.

"I have always been supported by my friends and family – for people who are struggling, I would always say people who mind don't matter, people who matter don't mind," she said.

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