Gemma Atkinson plots US acting debut

Gemma Atkinson has revealed that she is planning to crack America next year.

The former Hollyoaks star has decided to concentrate on her acting career in 2009 after focusing on glamour modelling in recent years.

"I would love to work in America. I've had a few meetings over there and I'm going back in January, in pilot season, which will be a great opportunity," Atkinson told Take 5 magazine. "But I've got so much going on here too, playing Peter Pan in panto and promoting my new calendar."

She added: "I've been going to loads of auditions and have a fantastic showreel to take to America."

Atkinson also admitted that she is often reluctant to accept work offers because she does not want to become overexposed in the UK.

"I was asked to do a skincare range and a perfume and all sorts but I don't want to saturate the market all at once," she explained. "I want to do things step by step."