Gemma Atkinson's struggle of being Strictly wife as Gorka trains for six months

21 August 2023 , 23:02

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Gemma Atkinson's struggle of being Strictly wife as Gorka trains for six months

Gemma Atkinson admits she’ll feel a bit of a Strictly widow as millions are glued to the BBC ballroom show this autumn.

Actress and radio host Gemma knows fiance Gorka Marquez has to put family life aside to cope with the “gruelling” schedule as a dance pro. But the world will share their life as Gemma, 38, and Gorka, 32, signed up to their own reality show before the birth of their second child, Thiago.

And while Gemma loves Strictly, it’s where she met Gorka in 2017, she admits it’s also a challenge. She said: “When Strictly is on it’s all sequins and sparkles and everyone’s all happy, for me it’s the best show on telly and the countdown to Christmas. But the reality of it is it’s time away from family. It’s gruelling hours.

Gemma and Gorka share two children together

“The pro’s start end of July in rehearsals. So, it’s a lot going on. When I used to watch Strictly, I’d be with a takeaway, and you’d watch it and it’d be amazing. Now living as a Strictly wife, so to speak, I see the other side. I think the big misconception is that you’ll do two hours work on a Saturday, the show’s done, that’s it.”

Gorka added: “I know from 24th of July, I’m gonna breathe dancing 24/7 for six months. I come home and I’m in bed thinking about dance steps. I’m not going home to disconnect. I’m thinking about what I’m going to do that next week. I never switch off.”

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Gemma also told about giving birth to Thiago in July. They were already parents to Mia, born in 2019. While Thiago’s birth isn’t seen on camera, the lead up to the big day will be screened in their reality show.

Gemma Atkinson wants Gorka met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 (Instagram/gorka_marquez)

The pair are proud parents to two kids (Instagram/gorka_marquez)

Gemma said: “It was a C section and so calm and relaxed. We got to see Thiago coming out too as they pulled the curtain down at the last minute. They asked if we’d want to see it or film it. We said yes to both. The same surgeon delivered Mia so I knew I was in safe hands.” She added: “Gorka had a week at home so it was just us four in our little bubble.”

Asked about cameras in their home, she added: “It’s nerves and excitement. We wanted it to be as real and as raw as possible.” The 21st Strictly will start next month on the BBC and run until December, hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens starts on W and UKTV Play on Wednesday, August 30, at 8pm.

Mark Jefferies