Hollyoaks viewers have been introduced to mysterious newcomer Gemma Johnson played by actress Tisha Merry and fans will recognise the star from another popular soap opera
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
19:00, 22 Oct 2025
Hollyoaks have signed up a former Coronation Street star for an explosive new storyline involving Warren Fox
Hollyoaks have signed up a former Coronation Street star for an explosive new storyline involving Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas).
Tisha Merry’s character Gemma Johnson who was seen first the time during Monday’s (October 13) episode of the Channel 4 soap.
The newcomer was seen deleting a voicemail from boyfriend Warren’s phone sent by Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).
When asked who it was from, Gemma lied to Warren and he later offered her to join him in the shower.
Gemma appeared in the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover episode on Wednesday (October 22) where it was confirmed that she’s the daughter of Mick Johnson aka Donny Clark (Louis Emerick).
Tisha is best known for her role as Steph Britton in Coronation Street. She has also appeared in Doctors, Odd Squad and Princess Mirror-Belle.
Talking about her new Hollyoaks role, Tisha said “I’m absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast of Hollyoaks.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity and an incredible time to join as they celebrate their 30th birthday week.
Tisha Merry’s character Gemma Johnson who was seen first the time last week(Image: PA)
“Gemma is flirty, feisty, and the kind of woman you’d want as your best friend but never your enemy.
“She’s bold, unpredictable, and trust me when I say, she’ll be entering with a bang. I can’t wait for you all to meet her.”
It was revealed during the special Hollyoaks and Brookside episode on Wednesday (October 22) that detective Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) is actually former Brookside resident Mick Johnson who faked his death 20 years ago.
Gemma was reunited with her dad Mick believing he was dead but fans will have to wait and see what’s in store for the newcomer.
Tisha played Steph in Corrie from 2013 until 2017 with a brief return in 2018.
The actress played Steph Britton in Coronation Street for four years(Image:
ITV
)
The character was the youngster sister of Luke Britto and worked at Nick’s Bistro.
Steph arrived in Weatherfield as a friend of Katy Armstrong (Georgia Mae Foote) before moving to the cobbles.
While in the street, Steph was a victim of revenge porn at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Jamie Bowman, who blackmailed Luke in order to pay off debts.
In 2018, when Luke was killed by Pat Phelan while investigating her boyfriend Andy Carver’s (Olivier Farnworth) disappearance, Steph paid her final visit to Weatherfield for the funeral.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
