20 January 2024 , 21:52
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Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez are struggling to stay in rhythm as his dance commitments keep him away from his family.
Sources claim Gemma was left frustrated after Gorka was unable to get home during the final six weeks of the last series, despite being voted out in week three.
And the Spanish-born dance pro has now signed up to be a judge on Spain’s version of Strictly – Bailando con las Estrellas – which will mean him spending huge amounts of time in Madrid. Work commitments have even meant the couple have so far been unable to visit Gorka’s parents in Bilbao with their son Thiago, who was born in July as the star was preparing for Strictly’s return.
The couple have two children together (Instagram)
Gorka has signed up to be a judge on Strictly – Bailando con las Estrellas (BBC/Ray Burmiston)One source says: “Gemma knows how important Gorka’s work is to him and goes above and beyond to be supportive. But she found it challenging when he wasn’t able to travel back to Manchester to spend time with her and the kids, even when he’d been voted off last year’s series. She’d been hoping they would have more time after the show finished, as he usually opts out of the tour to focus on family.
“But then he signed up to Bailando con las Estrellas, and the plan changed. Gemma knows he’s just wanting to support his family, but it’s disappointing for her. It’s a really rough patch for them. Gorka has also been frustrated because they haven’t had time to travel to Bilbao for Thiago to meet his elderly parents.”
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The source adds: “Gemma has been effectively raising two kids by herself. She was focusing on the end of the series as the end point – but the judging role was too good an opportunity to miss. As with any couple, the longer they’re apart, the more tension there is between them.”
Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma met Gorka when she signed up to compete in the BBC dance show in 2017. She was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec – finishing as a runner-up – but hit it off with Gorka behind the scenes.
The couple, who have been engaged since Valentine’s Day in 2021, welcomed their daughter Mia in 2019 and son Thiago last year. Representatives for Gorka and Gemma declined to comment.