SHE'S A REAL GEM LADS!

ATTEN-SHUN! Even in desert camouflage there's no mistaking forces sweetheart Gemma Atkinson.

The former Hollyoaks star goes on calendar girl duty to launch the News of the World's special issue taking Christmas greetings from loved ones to you, our brave servicemen and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world.

Last night 24-year-old Gemma-our very own weapon of mass distraction-said: "It's a real honour to pay tribute to all the lads and girls out there doing such a fantastic job. We're so proud!"

Gemma got a mini taste of service life at a boot camp and starring in new video game Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3. She added: "I've two close friends serving in Iraq and Afghanistan so I know a little of what the troops and their families are going through.

"It's very humbling. I raise a glass to you all and wish everyone a speedy, safe return home."

And Gemma says she would be very happy to visit our troops in Iraq or Afghanistan.

She told us: "I would love to go out there to lend my support to the effort and raise morale.

"If my being there helped cheer up one soldier, it would be worthwhile.

"It must be hard for them to be separated from their loved ones, especially at this time of year."

But she admitted: "My mother is terrified by the prospect of me going out there but it's a real possibility - and I would love to see it happen.

"It's only a small gesture but I'd like to think I'd be doing my bit for my country."

Passion

Rising star Gemma recently got engaged to footballer Marcus Bent - currently with Birmingham City - and she said he understood only too well her passion for supporting our troops.

She said: "My two friends out there are his friends as well, and he knows the pressures these guys are under - and how important it is to get a chance to forget about the conflict and switch off."

Gemma got her own taste of military life in a "weight-loss" boot camp.

She added: "The camp was based on the training the Army have to do, and at the end of each day I was complaining how tired I was.

"But the instructor told me it was nothing compared to what the guys have to go through in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It made me respect them even more."

This article has 0 comments