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.
Testimonials
"Gemma Oaten is one of the most inspirational young woman I have ever heard talk. To see her standing there and describing the torment and pain and suffering that she's been through is heart breaking, but then when you realise how she has turned her world around, with the help of her incredibly loving family, you see that you're in the presence of a truly good, kind and generous person. Every time I see Gemma I cannot get over how magical and special she really is."
Gaby Roslin
"I first met Gemma on the Television game show 'Celebrity Family Fortunes' many years ago and my initial reaction was that she was a witty, bubbly and warm hearted young woman. Over time she has become a dear friend. It wasn't until I interviewed her about eating disorders on the ITV breakfast show ‘Daybreak’ that I realised the full extent of her remarkable story. It's one of sheer grit, determination and hope. Watching her speak in public at a separate charity event for anti bullying I saw her deliver a speech so passionate, educated, real and raw that the audience were on their feet at the end. She's an inspiration and I know her work and honesty will help so, so many."
Aled Jones
"Gemma’s life story is incredible, the fights, battles, mental turmoil and struggles are only overtaken by her incredible enthusiasm for life, her shining personality and her message of pure “Hope”. Listening to Gemma it is almost impossible not to travel on the journey with her, you come part of the feelings, sadness, fear and courage and by the end you leave knowing that truly, “anything is possible” and more so “You are possible”. Her inspiring talks are not a performance they are a real life showcase of courage, determination and empowerment and victory over a very real, tragic, sad story. Inspiring is a word so often used too easily but Gemma is the utter meaning of this word. She walks it, talks it and shines it and I am honoured to have her as part of my life."
Ian Royce
