MAKE the most of our glamorous picture of actress and model Gemma Atkinson in the city centre yesterday.

For Gemma leaves her beloved Manchester tomorrow for a three-month stint on a West End stage in London with hit play Calendar Girls.

Bury-based Gemma looked fab in a blue mini dress and Christian Louboutin heels as she launched the new Arndale Centre Virgin Media store.

And she says she's missing us already.

She sighs: "I'm looking forward to the work, but I'm not looking forward to being away from home for so long."

Gemma plays beautician Elaine in the play based on the movie about W.I. women posing nude for a calendar.

But while Gemma keeps her clothes on for the role, it's down to the likes of 82-year-old Eastenders star June Brown and supermodel Jerry Hall to peel off.

Gemma laughs: "June Brown is absolutely amazing. I can only hope that I'm as fun and lively when I get to her age."