Emmerdale’s Gemma Oaten issues statement on Nick Knowles relationship backlash (Image: ITV)
star has come under fire after his former flame Gemma Oaten opened up about their relationship. The 62-year-old struck up a relationship with the former actress eight years ago – but their fling was short-lived.
The pair began dating when the DIY SOS host met Gemma, 40, at the TV Choice Awards in September 2016. This followed his .
Their history resurfaced after Nick recently announced that he would . Since their nuptials were revealed, actress, Gemma took to social media to issue a statement.
Writing to her 78,000 , followers, formerly known as Twitter she penned: “I just wanted to put the record straight regarding some recent press. A few articles have been printed about my relationship with .
“These are not new interviews and have been cobbled together from ancient history, EIGHT YEARS AGO. For the record, I have not brought anything up again and there is no ‘cashing in’,” she continued.
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The DIY SOS star has swapped his tools for dancing shoes (Image: BBC )
Gemma was left furious and added: “My name was dragged through the mud then and it’s horrible to see it happen again and again here. I have always been caring, kind and considerate and have a reputation in the industry that I am proud of.
“The aim of this post is mainly to the trolls who comment on these articles with bile reflux. If only they read the context of the full article and bothered to understand there is nothing new here.
“Instead, they use it as a means to torment and be unkind. Have we not learned anything from how the power of words, lies, bullies and trolls can affect people, especially from cowards who hide behind their keyboards,” she added.
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Fans flocked to the comments section and offered their deepest empathy. One user said: “We all support you Gemma!”
While a second added: “Happy Wednesday Gemma, hope you’re having a great day, I’m always nice to you, ignore the haters hun focus on the positives x.”
“I do hope you are OK Gemma; you know I would not want to see you being upset by these keyboard warriors. Me and your fellow Twitter supporters have all got your back,” chimed in a fourth.
Gemma Oaten dated Nick Knowles in 2016 (Image: ITC)
While a fifth penned: “That’s the thing with keyboard warriors mate, why let the simple things like the truth get in the way of making a sensational story, and to hell who it hurts/effects.”
At the time Nick took Gemma on a romantic weekend to Edinburgh before calling time on their brief fling. When their relationship hit the headlines, saying his priority was .
He has since joined the 21st series of Strictly , who are hoping to impress the judges in a bid to lift the glitterball.