Gemma Atkinson shares public message for Gorka Marquez amid 'rough patch'

21 January 2024 , 14:46

946     0

Gemma Atkinson has appeared to support fiancé Gorka Marquez amid claims she has become frustrated by his huge workload

Gemma Atkinson has shared a sweet message of support towards her fiancé Gorka Marquez following reports the actress has become frustrated with his lack of time at home.

The couple hooked up after meeting on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing - despite not being partnered together - and now share two children, Mia, four, and Thiago, six months.

In the 2023 edition of the BBC show, meanwhile, 33-year old Gorka was reportedly unable to travel home during its final six weeks - despite being booted from the show with partner Nikita Kanda in week three.

And now, the Spaniard has added to his dance commitments by signing up to appear on Bailando con las Estrellas – the Spanish version of Strictly - meaning he will spending a significant amount of time in Madrid. Owing to his workload, Gorka and the family have reportedly been unable to visit his parents in his native Bilbao since the arrival of Thiago last July.

Gorka spent weeks away from home during the latter stages of Strictly 2023 - despite being voted off second (Daily Mirror)

Back home, however, former Hollyoaks star Gemma appeared to suggest all is well on Sunday morning as she posted a video of one Gorka's appearance on his new show to her Instagram story. Gemma, who turns 40 this year, captioned the clip: "We're so proud of you."

Gemma Atkinson admits pregnancy worries have sparked her to hire private midwife

Further clips from the last 24 hours showed Gemma had called upon her mum Sandra for help around the house - with the doting grandma entertaining the kids and baking cookies. Last week Gorka shared news of his role in Spain, as he took to his own Instagram account to update his fans.

"I finally can share the news that I will be one of the Judges in the Spanish version of Strictly Bailando con las Estrellas," he enthused. "So excited to back in Spain and doing the show that changed my whole life and excited to be sat on the other side of the floor this time even if I am not sure I will be able to hold my self and not dance. First show is this Saturday and I can’t wait."

Following his announcement, a source told the Mirror of Gemma's woes: "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."

The source added: "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."

Alan Johnson