'Hollyoaks' Gemma Merna thrilled with Father Francis plot

Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna has praised her character's current forbidden lust storyline, claiming that viewers are seeing Carmel McQueen "at her best".

Carmel's ongoing plot has seen her struggle with her feelings for newcomer Father Francis, hoping that she can resist temptation as she trains to become a nun.

"I love this storyline. It's such good fun. I'm really enjoying myself," Merna told Soaplife.

"She's a McQueen and she likes boys, make-up and clothes. All this covering up and resisting temptation is a lot harder than she thought it would be but she's determined to carry on down this path."

However, next week's episodes see the story take a twist as Carmel and Father Francis go against their better judgements by sharing a kiss.





Discussing what happens afterwards, Merna explained: "They don't talk about it and carry on as normal. Carmel's trying to push it to the back of her mind, but she's quite stressed about it."

Asked what is coming up next for Carmel, she replied: "Things are going to continue with Father Francis. That's going to go on for a while. It's always good when Carmel is single and looking for love, and now that she's trying to be a nun and struggling with it, we're seeing her at her best."

Richard Winsor, who plays Father Francis, previously portrayed the role of Tomas in 2010 movie Streetdance 3D and was named 'Sexiest Dancer In The World' by Elle magazine last year.

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