[bbfan1991]

Hollyoaks star Gemma Merna has revealed details of the struggles ahead for her character Carmel Valentine as her injury storyline begins.

Carmel has an ordeal on the way in upcoming episodes as a tanning machine explodes when she is using it, leaving her with a face wound and serious burns.

The incident occurs as part of Carmel's ongoing desire to look her best for the Face of Attwells competition.

Merna, speaking of the consequences for her alter ego, told TV Times: "Carmel has spent years working in the beauty trade. Image is absolutely everything to her, so she's devastated.

"She feels ugly and thinks other people will think she's ugly too. She's always had this dream of meeting her Prince Charming, but she feels that's never going to happen now and she's going to be stuck on her own."

Sleazy Doctor Browning is among the hospital staff who look after Carmel during her recovery. However, it is Lynsey Nolan (Karen Hassan) who is forced to step in when Carmel makes a shocking decision.

Merna added: "She just can't see a future for herself. So she goes up onto the hospital roof with a view of jumping off."