But 16 years after she called time on her career behind the bar of the famous Yorkshire pub, the actress who played her, Tricia Penrose, is now taking her first steps into the pub trade.
Announcing the move on Instagram, Tricia, 56, said: “I have some exciting news to announce.
“I am now the proud owner, along with two local businessmen, of The Goathland Hotel. Well known as The Aidensfield Arms where I played Gina Ward for 18 years. Gina's going home!! Woohoo!!!”
The traditional village pub, which also has a number of rooms for bed and breakfast, had been run by the Richardson family for more than 40 years before they stepped away earlier this month.
Tricia said: "We have big plans for the pub. We want to make it the most popular tourist destination in North Yorkshire.”
The Aidensfield Arms, which will become The Goathland Hotel’s new name – is familiar to millions of Heartbeat fans who still watch old episodes of the 18-series show.
Tricia said she felt optimistic about the future of the pub, despite the current economic climate. She said: “It’s not just any North York Moors pub. It’s pretty special.
“I walked in today and got a massive round of applause, it was like being on stage - I was dead overwhelmed!
“We’ve got great ideas. Themed weekends, fancy dress and holding quizzes - I’m going to be singing - we’re going to get back to the Heartbeat days.
The Heartbeat TV series ran from 1992 to 2010.
Most of the internal scenes in the pub were shot inside The Goathland Hotel, and many of the features seen on screen are still visible today.
Tricia said she plans to add a Heartbeat theme to the pub: “We’re going to have 9-11 bedrooms, all themed.
“People will be able to stay in Gina’s boudoir or the Greengrass room, for example.
“I have behind the scenes photos that no one has seen, and we’ll also get some of the props on display. I still have Gina’s white boots, they’re just sitting in the loft!
The hotel comprises a lounge bar and public bar, where It is easy to picture barmaid Gina, who married PC Bellamy in the TV series, pulling pints and chatting to customers while wearing her trademark 1960s outfits,
Tricia said: “We’re bringing in great people. We have a great chef doing meals today - the meat and potato pie looks flipping gorgeous!
“Someone just said to me the food is beautiful - and it’s the best veg they ever had!”
Tricia, who has had a long and successful acting career and as a radio presenter, is still open to performing. She said: “I turn down more roles than I accept but I am still open to acting. It’s just that the parts aren’t always what I want. But I still love showbusiness and I definitely haven’t retired.
And what would Gina make of it all? Tricia said: “Oh my goodness, I’m not sure. Her first line when she arrived was that it was the ‘back of beyond’ - but I’m ever so excited and I’m going to be here as often as I can.”
9. Gina comes home!
As Gina Ward, Tricia Penrose spent 18 series behind the bar at the Goathland Hotel Photo: Simon Hulme
11. Gina comes home!
The popularity of the Heartbeat TV series has endured for decades Photo: Simon Hulme
