Gemma Oaten
Former Emmerdale actress and advocate for mental health
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Gemma Oaten
After graduating from Drama Studio London in 2010, Gemma quickly established herself on screen with appearances in BBC dramas including Doctors, Casualty and Holby City before joining Emmerdale in 2011. Her portrayal of Rachel Breckle earned her widespread recognition and Best Newcomer nominations at several television awards. She has also appeared on stage in productions including Alan Ayckbourn’s Ten Times Table and Amanda Whittington’s Ladies Unleashed!, later returning to television with a role in Coronation Street.
Beyond acting, Gemma speaks openly about her thirteen-year battle with an eating disorder and the mental health challenges she faced growing up following severe bullying. Through her lived experience, she explores themes including body image, resilience, self-worth and recovery, helping audiences better understand the realities of mental health struggles and the importance of compassion and support.
Known for her authenticity and emotional honesty, Gemma delivers powerful and relatable talks that resonate with audiences across schools, charities, healthcare organisations and corporate environments. Combining personal storytelling with practical insight, she encourages conversations around mental wellbeing, confidence and overcoming adversity.
To book Conference Speaker Gemma Oaten, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
Eating Disorders – The Enemy In Mind
Gemma Oaten shares her deeply personal experience of living with and recovering from an eating disorder, exploring the realities of mental health struggles, the impact of bullying, and the importance of early intervention. Combining lived experience with her work as CEO of SEED Eating Disorder Support Services, Gemma delivers an honest and educational talk focused on awareness, compassion and hope.
Resilience Redefined – Embracing Adversity and Thriving
Drawing on her personal and professional journey, Gemma explores the power of resilience in overcoming adversity. Through candid storytelling and practical insight, she encourages audiences to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, develop mental strength and build the confidence to move forward through life’s challenges.
Mind Matters – Navigating Mental Health
In this open and honest keynote, Gemma discusses her experiences with anxiety, depression and eating disorders while exploring the importance of self-acceptance, support systems and mental wellbeing. The session encourages audiences to break stigma, prioritise mental health and view vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.
Following the Curveball: The Courage to Fail and Rebuild
Gemma shares powerful lessons on navigating failure, rejection and uncertainty, demonstrating how resilience and self-belief can help individuals rebuild stronger than before. Combining personal stories with practical takeaways, she encourages audiences to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and positive change.
Unlocking Potential: Empowering Educators & Students
Designed for schools, educators and young people, this keynote focuses on emotional wellbeing, resilience and creating healthier learning environments. Gemma combines her own experiences with practical insight to inspire students to believe in their potential while helping educators support positive mental health conversations.
Client Feedback
"Gemma Oaten recently agreed to be the guest speaker at our event to launch a youth mental health education project. She was excellent, well prepared, passionate, warm and humorous. The audience were totally charmed by Gemma and she helped enormously to make the evening very successful."
Women’s Interfaith Network Youth Project
"If you are looking for a host or speaker for your event, I can’t recommend Gemma Oaten enough! When it came to finding a host for the 2024 Wandsworth Business Awards Gemma came to mind and I was so pleased when she agreed to it because I just knew that it would help the night to be a great success. From start to finish, Gemma was an absolute professional."
Wandsworth Business Awards
"Gemma’s own story is very moving and told from the heart...she was able to deliver very serious information in such a way that that audience’s attention was transfixed by her story. Holding people’s attention on such a serious subject was always going to be a challenge in our environment but Gemma managed it and still managed to leave the audience relaxed and uplifted by the end."
National Makeup Awards
"Gemma was a pleasure to work with and truly inspired our audience with her talk, which harnessed the power of self-worth and encouraged deep introspection to overcome inner obstacles."
Global Elleebana Masterclass Conference
"Gemma’s openness, dedication, and expertise sparked a truly engaging discussion within our community. The conversations that followed – both within the school and beyond – have been nothing short of inspiring. It’s always so powerful when we provide opportunities for people to come together, share their experiences, and learn from one another."
Beaulieu Insight Series on Eating Disorders.
"Gemma Oaten was a brilliant MC at the Fatima’s UK Campaign – One Voice Summit at The Guildhall last week. The agenda was packed with speakers, panels, performances and breakout sessions – timing was critical. Gemma helped the delegates navigate their way through the two-day summit with humour, heart and grace."
Fatima’s UK Campaign
