Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson reveals she attended ‘bittersweet’ vigil of Manchester bombing victim Olivia Campbell

MANCHESTER-BORN Emmerdale actress Gemma Atkinson has revealed she attended the emotional and "bittersweet"vigil for terror attack victim Olivia Campbell yesterday and said the city's residents are "starting to see hope again".

The TV star, from Bury, told today's Good Morning Britain she attended last night's service for the teenager, who was tragically killed by a suicide bomb in the aftermath of Ariana Grande's gig at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Speaking to GMB from the studio of her Key 103 radio show, Gemma said of Olivia, 15, "She was from Bury, my home town, so I went with my mum.

"It was bittersweet.

"It was really emotional, the fact that so many people turned out for Olivia."

Last night, Olivia's heartbroken mum Charlotte had to be supported by the 15-year-old’s stepdad Paul Hodgson as she wept over the tragic death of the budding popstar.

The family were dealt the devastating blow on Tuesday that Olivia was one of 22 people killed when terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a nail bomb at US star Ariana's concert.

Her mum had made an emotional plea on Good Morning Britain as she tearfully tried to track Olivia down after she vanished in Monday's carnage.

In a desperate plea which left host Susanna Reid close to tears, Charlotte said: “I can’t get through to her."

As police continue to investigate the horrific attack, Gemma - who plays Carly Hope in the ITV soap - said the sense of community in the northern city was strong.

She told GMB presenters Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard the city would be "forever united" and ";not let the tragedy divide us."

Gemma revealed: "The morning after, I was driving into the studios at Key 103 and it was so eerie.

"There was no one about on the streets.

"It felt really flat.

"It has affected everyone in Manchester but as has time as gone on, the sense of pride and camaraderie has picked back up.

"People are starting to see hope again."

Talking about her on-air breakfast show Gemma, 32, quipped: "We have had Manchester City fans calling to congratulate Manchester United fans.

"The only thing that separates Manchester is red and blue - nothing else.

"I'm proud to be from Manchester and I'm sorry for everyone affected."

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