Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez was left in tears after his partner Gemma Atkinson surprised him with a heartfelt video message from their six-year-old daughter, Mia. The 35-year-old dancer became emotional as he watched the clip, which was recorded while he was asleep.
Mia's Sweet Message
In the video, Mia shared her dad's five best traits ahead of Father's Day on Sunday. She also joked that her three-year-old brother Thiago would agree with everything she said. Mia began: "Hi Papa. Happy Father's Day. We love you, Mia, and Diego." She added playfully, "not Mummy."
Listing her favourite things about her father, she said: "Number one, you're an amazing dad. Number two, you're super. Number three, you do smelly trumps. Very smelly. Number four, you teach us. Number five, you're helpful, and that's it. And you know, Thiago will think everything I think because he's my brother and you're his dad. But also because you're super, and also because he agrees with everything I say. Bye."
Gemma's Surprise
As Gorka wiped away a tear, Gemma explained she had filmed Mia's response while he was asleep. "I was doing that the other morning," she told him. "I was like, quick, while he's asleep, we need to do this, but when she said you're super, you teach us, you do smelly farts, although she said trumps, you're helpful. Oh, bless her. But then I like it, then when she goes, but that's it."
Gemma concluded: "So, yeah. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there on Sunday. I hope you all get spoiled."
Gorka's Strictly Exit
The emotional moment comes after Gorka announced he would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing following a decade on the show. He revealed in April that he was part of a major shake-up on the BBC programme but said he is doing better than ever. In a heartfelt statement, he said: "I've decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to the popular BBC show. I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity; over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful."
On his podcast Lost In Translation, Gorka revealed what he won't miss: "My hair will grow now," with Gemma adding: "And his back won't be sore." His departure follows those of fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman also will not return for the next series.
