Gemma Oaten has insisted Christmas "isn't cancelled" despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Gemma Oaten
The former 'Emmerdale' actress opened up on the various restrictions put in place across the UK to battle the spread of Covid-19, and urged her social media followers to "count the blessings" when they can.
She wrote: "We're all going through so much in different ways. Count the blessings where they come, perspectives where they are, moments by being present in life.
"Xmas isn't cancelled. The 25th Dec very much exists. Do what you need to do that day...Friday 25th Dec for me is about kindness".
Meanwhile, the 36-year-old star recently admitted she used to "dread" the festive season when she was battling anorexia.
Gemma suffered from the eating disorder for 13 years during her younger years and it made her detest the festive season, because there was "no escape" from food.
She said: "I hated Christmas - I dreaded it.
"It was just food, food, food, and there was no escape.
"I remember feeling sadness, like why wasn't I on the countdown like other people?"
But Gemma - who played Rachel Breckle on the ITV soap - admitted she has "really got into the spirit" of the festive season over the past 10 years.
The 36-year-old star said: "Over the past 10 years, that feeling has completely shifted and I've really got into the spirit."
She is usually in pantomime over the festive period so isn't always guaranteed to be at home for Christmas Day (25.12.20), but due to the coronavirus pandemic her panto roles are on hold, so she will be back in Hull for the festivities.
She added: "Some years I couldn't get home for Christmas Day because the panto schedule was so full-on.
"I love doing panto - that's normally my life so I'm going to miss that so much.
"With no pantos and no acting work, I'll be home in Hull for a nice break."
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