Former Emmerdale actress Gemma Oaten, 34, said she was left homeless after a previous relationship broke down a few years ago, resulting in her having to stay with friends.The star didn’t clarify who she was referring to, but said she had to get herself out of a “toxic situation”. She exclusively told Express.co.uk: “I’ve not spoken about it before but I had a relationship break down and because of that breakdown, I had to get myself out of a toxic and destructive situation. “By doing that I left my home and left everything.
“People don’t expect that of me but it happened over a year ago now, and I don’t think people really know apart from family and friends.
“I sofa surfed for four months and stayed with a friend for five months and people don’t really expect that because they think I’m Gemma off the tele and from Holby City.
“The reality of it was was that I put some misplaced judgement into somebody I trust and it came crashing down on me.
“If it wasn’t for the help of family and friends, I don’t know how I would’ve stayed in London.
“It just goes to show that one thing can go against you and can change your whole life.”
Gemma is now single and lives with her beloved pooch.
After experiencing homelessness herself, Gemma is currently supporting others by teaming up with Tutus House; founded by James Reid and Rara Plumptre.
Tutus house help individuals suffering homelessness and those from disrupted backgrounds.
Last night, Gemma and her team slept rough on the streets to raise awareness about homelessness.
Following her night on the streets, she took to Instagram to reveal she was feeling “tired and emotional”.
She told her 15,000 followers: “We did it. We slept rough.
“And it was a night I’ll never forget for so many reasons. I’ll post more when I can.
“I’m a bit tired and emotional and for once lost for words… #iamtutus #homeless #homelesscharity #reality #moreinstories.”
When asked why she got involved with the project, she added: “I have experienced it [homelessness] myself and it’s a hard place to be.
“Without going into too much detail, I got into a situation where I lent some money and it wasn’t being repaid. It happens time and time again to people.
“Sometimes one wrong decision or one thing that can act against you which you have no control of can change everything.
“It really resonated with me and I just really wanted to get involved.”