Has anyone seen Gemma Ward lately? Gemma Ward. Picture: Colin Murty Source: The Daily Telegraph SHE was set to make her long-awaited return to Sydney's social scene this week but elusive model Gemma Ward made an 11th-hour withdrawal from her homecoming. Once a regular on the party circuit, the actress - who last year was an extra on The Great Gatsby - was confirmed to attend the AACTA awards on Wednesday night, as well as the opening of the new Christian Dior boutique in the city last night. However, Confidential understands her new agency, IMG Models, spoke with organisers of both events and cancelled Ward's appearances. It was reported this month that, after signing with IMG, the doll-like Ward was returning to the runway after more than five years. There are rumours she will join new host Jennifer Hawkins on Australia's Next Top Model. It's been a long time but Gemma is on her way back. I don't know what happened this week with the no-shows, but we will be seeing her very soon," a source said. She's ready for her close-up, so to speak. Ward's hiatus has been well documented. Following the death of boyfriend Heath Ledger in 2008, the Perth-born beauty shunned the spotlight while living in New York. Ward then made a triumphant return in 2011 during a three-month stint at Western Australia's State Theatre Complex in their production of The Ugly One, as well as appearing as queen of the mermaids in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. It was then that Ward opened up about Ledger's death and the effect it had on her, saying they were both "going through hard times" and agreed to be there for each other, without having a serious relationship. Two months later Ledger died.