Merna: 'I'd love to stay in Hollyoaks'

Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna has announced that she is keen to stick with her role as Carmel McQueen on the soap for years to come.

The 25-year-old revealed that she dreams of becoming part of the furniture like her co-star Nick Pickard (Tony Hutchinson), who is the only remaining original cast member left on the Chester-based drama.

"He's had some great storylines. If I was half as successful as Nick is on the show and liked as much then I would love to stay," Merna is quoted by PA as saying.

She added: "It's a great place to work and Liverpool is a great place to live so I love it."

Merna last week dismissed reports linking her to the new series of Dancing On Ice, insisting that she will be "too busy" with Hollyoaks to take part.

The star also recently said that she does not expect a happy ending for her soap character Carmel's relationship with estranged husband Calvin Valentine (Ricky Whittle).