Hollyoaks newcomer Gemma star’s soap history and where you’ve seen her before

Tisha Merry has joined the Hollyoaks cast as new character Gemma Johnson, but where else have fans seen the actress before?

Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time

19:30, 22 Oct 2025

Hollyoaks has recruited a former Coronation Street actress for a dramatic new storyline(Image: PA)

Hollyoaks has recruited a former Coronation Street actress for a dramatic new storyline centred around Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas).

Tisha Merry’s character Gemma Johnson made her debut appearance during Monday’s (October 13) instalment of the Channel 4 programme.

The new arrival was spotted erasing a voicemail message on boyfriend Warren’s mobile that had been left by Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe).

Upon being questioned about the caller’s identity, Gemma deceived Warren, who subsequently invited her to accompany him in the shower.

Gemma featured in the Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover instalment on Wednesday (October 22), during which it emerged that she’s the daughter of Mick Johnson, also known as Donny Clark (Louis Emerick), reports the Mirror.

Tisha is most recognised for portraying Steph Britton in Coronation Street and has additionally featured in Doctors, Odd Squad and Princess Mirror-Belle.

Tisha Merry has made her debut as Gemma JohnsonREAD MORE: Brookside returns to our screens tonight, but will it be permanent?READ MORE: Hollyoaks icon Jeremy Sheffield’s forgotten Coronation Street role

Discussing her latest Hollyoaks part, Tisha commented: “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.

“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.”

During the special Hollyoaks and Brookside crossover episode on Wednesday (October 22), it was disclosed that detective Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) is in fact former Brookside resident Mick Johnson, who staged his own death 20 years ago.

The actress played Steph Britton in Corrie(Image:
ITV
)

Gemma was reunited with her father Mick, whom she believed to be dead, but viewers will have to wait and see what’s next for the new arrival.

Tisha portrayed the character of Steph in Corrie from 2013 until 2017, making a brief comeback in 2018.

The character was the younger sister of Luke Britto and was employed at Nick’s Bistro.

Steph first arrived in Weatherfield as a friend of Katy Armstrong (Georgia Mae Foote) before settling on the cobbles.

During her time on the street, Steph fell victim to revenge porn at the hands of her ex-boyfriend Jamie Bowman, who blackmailed Luke to settle his debts.

In 2018, following Luke’s murder by Pat Phelan while investigating the disappearance of her boyfriend Andy Carver (Olivier Farnworth), Steph made her final visit to Weatherfield for the funeral.

Coronation Street is on ITV at 8pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and available to stream from 7am on ITVX