'Hollyoaks' deny Gemma Atkinson return

Hollyoaks have dismissed claims that Gemma Atkinson is to return to Channel 4 soap later this year, Digital Spy can reveal.

Recent news reports have suggested that the 22-year-old actress has allegedly signed a £100,000-a-year deal, which would make her the show's highest-paid star.

A spokeswoman for the programme, however, told DS: "There are no current plans for Gemma Atkinson to return to Hollyoaks in the foreseeable future."

Gemma appeared in the Channel 4 soap as Lisa Hunter for four years until leaving in 2005. She then went on to appear in spin-off show Hollyoaks: Let Loose the same year and Hollyoaks: In The City earlier this year as well as competing in the recent series of Soapstar Superstar.