Strictly's Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson on new baby and their wedding plans

20 August 2023 , 16:52

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Strictly's Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson with new-born baby Thiago and daughter Mia

Gemma Atkinson and fiancé Gorka Marquez have admitted the birth of their new baby son has been "wonderful". The former soap star, 38, gave birth to Thiago last month and she and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka have been in their own little bubble ever since.

The family have been spending as much time as possible together ahead of Strictly's return, with Gorka set to work away as filming starts for the new series. The pair met on Strictly when she was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec in 2017 and the show still means a lot to the family, with even their young daughter Mia tuning in to watch her dad.

“It’s wonderful,” Gemma told OK! when asked what life has been like since the arrival of Thiago. “It feels like we’ve always been a family of four, it’s bizarre how he’s slotted right in.

“We’re obviously exhausted but it’s that fun exhaustion whereby it doesn’t matter if you’ve not had a wash and your hair’s a mess, and we’re in our PJs,” the mum added. “It’s just nice. So we’re making the most of that lovely little bubble really. It’s been a lot more chilled this time. Your second one isn’t easier, but it’s more manageable because there are no firsts.”

Gemma Atkinson has opened up on giving birth to Thiago (UKTV)

The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress explained that she delivered Mia by emergency C-section and had hoped to have a vaginal birth this time around. However, when her contractions stopped after 24 hours of active labour, she elected to have another C-section. Gemma also had the support of a private midwife who was introduced to her by Brooke Vincent, best known as Coronation Street's Sophie Webster.

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“[Brooke] had private midwives for both her children and when I told her I was pregnant, she said, ‘It’s amazing, it’s just a back-up. Do it.’ So we did. She’s called Rachel and she’s been fabulous," Gemma explained. She added: “We’ve been lucky to have this week all together. Mia was two days old when Gorka went on tour."

Gemma was also asked about her and Gorka's wedding plans, with the pair engaged since February 2021. Asked if they have any plans to tie the knot now Thiago has arrived, the mum said: “Let me fit in my dress first! We’re quite chilled with it all. We have two babies. I’m not really fussed by a white wedding. A nice little quiet affair with friends and family and we’ll be happy.”

Sam Truelove