Gemma MernaGemma Merna aka Hollyoaks' CarmelAh, the actors and actresses of our much-loved soaps.

Where would we be without them, eh?

They grace our lives on a daily basis.

Their kitchen sink-style combo of drama, love and well, life (innit?)makes our own lives look normal.

We've a lot to thank them for.

But sometimes, when we become so familiar with a particular character's quirks, or come to know who hates/ secretly fancies who better than our own family politics, it can be hard to separate fiction from reality.

Could the cast of Hollyoaks ever tear themselves away from The Loft?

Where would the Corrie peeps be without the Rovers Return?

The EastEnders luvvies camp out in Albert Square, right?

Well, nope to all of the above, since soap actors often enjoy a full-on life outside the telly - and one that's ironically far more glam than the gritty "reality" of their soap-like shenanigans.

Want proof of this point? Click right away into our soap stars out of character gallery.