Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has offered an insight into his new and improved home life following his exit from the popular BBC programme, while also dropping a hint about wedding plans.
Family time after Strictly exit
Earlier this year Gorka, 36, announced he would not be returning to the BBC show where he met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson, 41, in 2017. At the time, he was dancing with singer Alexandra Burke while Gemma was competing alongside Aljaz Skorjanec.
Later, in 2018, the pair confirmed their relationship and, nearly a decade on, they share two children; seven-year-old daughter Mia and three-year-old son Thiago. Amidst all that, they also got engaged, with Gorka proposing on Valentine's Day 2021.
When Gorka later said he was leaving Strictly after being such a staple of the show for so long, it was a shock to fans, but he said it was a decision he had taken to spend more time with his family.
Wedding hint
Addressing the major change to Heat magazine, he expressed his delight at being able to spend more time with Gemma and his children. He said: "It's nice to have more time together with the children and with Gemma, instead of 'Hi, I'm going to work', or 'Hi, I'm going to the show' like passing ships."
On top of sharing positive updates about his personal life, Gorka also fielded a question about whether he and Gemma would be getting married soon, as their engagement reaches the five year marker in just a few months time. Dropping a subtle hint, he replied: "Maybe. Just keep waiting and we'll see."
Podcast success
This isn't the first time Gorka has spoken about major changes in his life and his career as he and Gemma also run a joint venture in the shape of their Lost In Translation podcast where they share updates about the nuances of a multi-national relationship.
Ahead of the launch of the podcast last year, Gorka expressed what he hoped it would achieve. He said: "Gemma and I are different, but that’s what makes us work. We bicker, we laugh, and we always find a way through. We hope Lost in Translation makes people feel less alone in their own relationship dilemmas and brings a smile to their faces."
Gemma added: "We wanted to create something really authentic that parents and couples can relate to. Life with two kids and conflicting schedules is always an adventure, and Gorka and I definitely have our moments! This podcast is about embracing those differences and finding the funny side."
A year on from the launch of the podcast it has been shortlisted for the British Podcast Awards Listeners' Choice Award, one which Gorka asked fans to vote for. He said: "You guys keep voting, you know?...Tell your mum, your dad, your sister, your auntie, your grandma, your neighbour, your friends, and everybody to vote!"
