Gemma Atkinson learns to fly

Gemma Atkinson is thrilled to land the role of Peter Pan and is learning to 'fly' for it. The former Hollyoaks babe will be thrilling panto fans by soaring above the stage as the children’s favourite character.

Atkinson has been working so hard on her flying lessons that many people actually mistook her for a UFO. "She's been working very long hours rehearsing for Peter Pan and has the added pressure of learning how to fly," the Daily Star quoted a pal, as saying. "The panto is based in Manchester but she's having flying lessons down in London, so she has been completely exhausted by the end of each working day. I think there was a bit of a shock when some people saw her flying around at the place where she practised," the pal added.

Atkinson has put her wedding to fiance Marcus Bent on hold for the time being due to work. "She was absolutely thrilled when Marcus asked her to marry him but she's had absolutely no time to start planning the wedding," the pal said. "She's got some time off over Christmas, which she intends to spend with her family. She'll obviously see Marcus too, so I'm sure that they'll start talking about their plans then," the pal added.