Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose looks worlds away from barmaid Gina 13 years on

14 June 2023 , 10:50

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Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose looks worlds away from barmaid Gina 13 years on

Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose has changed a lot since rocking up on our screens as the bubbly barmaid in ITV's Heartbeat.

The actress, 53, played Gina Ward for 18 years from 1993 to 2010, before taking a step back from the spotlight.

Fashion-conscious Gina was a huge hit in the 60s-set show, pulling pints behind the bar of the Aidenfield Arms, but Tricia is a lot more low-key as she enjoys life away from the limelight.

Now a presenter for BBC Radio Manchester, the actress is platinum blonde, having switched up her signature auburn locks.

She also cuts as much more casual figure than Gina, opting for comfy clothes as she carves out a career in radio.

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Tricia Penrose looks a world away from her days in ITV's Heartbeat (@triciapenrose/Twitter)

She played Gina for 18 years from 1993 to 2010 (Yorkshire Television)

Tricia recently popped up on Twitter with Denise Welch's son Matty Healy as she shared a picture of the pair with the caption: "What a fantastic performance on BBC Big weekend last night! @RealDeniseWelch you must be SO proud!"

The mum-of-two was married to Mark Simpkin, but according to The Sun they decided to call it quits in 2021.

Tricia and Mark wed back in 2003 and renewed their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary.

The couple's wedding was a star -studded affair and was held at the swanky Adlington Hall in Cheshire in 2003.

Photos from the big day were featured in Hello! magazine at the time – and Tricia wore her dress again for her vow renewal in 2013.

The same year the actress entered the Celebrity Big Brother house before being booted out in a semi-final double eviction, alongside Frankie Dettori.

Tricia is also known for appearances in Heartbeat spin-off The Royal, Brookside, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Talking to Great British Life in 2014 about her future career plans, the star said: "I played Gina for 18 years so that is a massive part of me, but I would love to something different."

Although primarily focused on her acting career, the Scouser has also dipped a toe into the music industry, releasing two singles – Where Did Our Love Go? (1996, UK No. 71) and Don't Wanna Be Alone (2000, UK No. 44).

In 2002, she reached the final of A Song for Europe in a bid to bag a spot in the Eurovision Song Contest, but unfortunately didn't win.

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However, in 2004, Tricia won a Christmas edition of ITV's Stars in Their Eyes, performing as Brenda Lee and singing Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.

Victoria Johns