Gemma Atkinson breaks silence on Gorka Marquez 'rough patch' amid distance

23 January 2024 , 15:01

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Gemma has explained the couple are happier than ever (Image: Gemma Atkinson/Instagram)

Gemma Atkinson has addressed the "tension" in her relationship with Gorka Marquez.

The couple - who first met on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing - have reportedly been surrounded by "tension" while Gorka has been working in Spain on the Spanish version of Strictly. Sources claimed Gemma was left frustrated as Gorka was unable to get home during the final six weeks of the last series, despite being voted out in week three.

But the former Hollyoaks star appears to have slammed any speculation about her engagement and insisted that she and Gorka, who she shares two children with, are more than happy. The star told her Instagram followers that she was making the most of the "peace" while Gorka was away from home.

Gemma has addressed the claims about her marriage (Instagram)

The couple met on Strictly Come Dancing and are said to have faced a tough patch (Daily Mirror)

Addressing the speculation, she said: "Yes we did see them stories. There was a few floating around weren't there which is news to us. It is what it is, isn't it. Happens all the time dunnit. It's not true." Gemma, 39, went on to say: "I think it's because it was made out he's working away a lot. He goes away Friday afternoon and comes back Sunday mornings.

"He's hardly bloomin' overseas is he. Crikey it's less than 48 hours if anything it gives me a bit of peace at weekends. No offence Gorks. Well, he is overseas but you know what I mean." Gorka is currently sitting as a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas, the Spanish version of Strictly and is spending a lot of time in the capital, Madrid, for filming.

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Sources claimed that Gemma was "effectively raising two kids by herself". Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, they said: "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." Gorka and his professional partner Nikita Kanada were voted out of Strictly in week three but he remained in the competition and took part in group dances.

Daniel Bird