Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson has opened up about receiving disparaging messages from men on social media who claimed her distinctive Mancunian accent made her unattractive. The 41-year-old television personality, who hails from Bury in Greater Manchester, shared the hurtful comments during the latest episode of her podcast with partner Gorka Marquez.
Social Media Criticism and Personal Response
Gemma revealed that anonymous individuals would contact her through social platforms with messages stating: 'You're really really fit until you start talking but we just can't deal with your accent.' The actress responded with characteristic northern resilience, thinking to herself: 'Well you're not fit with or without talking.' She described the senders as 'snide' for making such superficial judgments without even having spoken to her personally.
Gorka's Affectionate Counterpoint
In heartwarming contrast, Gemma's partner Gorka Marquez - the 35-year-old Spanish professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing - expressed his complete admiration for her vocal characteristics. During their podcast conversation, he sweetly admitted: 'I love it. I find it very cute when you speak like that. It's one of the things that attracts me to you.' Gemma humorously responded that his opinion mattered most, alongside that of actor Tom Hardy.
Family Life and Future Wedding Plans
The couple, who first met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 despite not being partnered together, now reside in Manchester with their two young children: six-year-old daughter Mia and three-year-old son Thiago. They announced their relationship publicly in 2018 and became engaged in February 2021, though wedding plans have been deliberately postponed.
Gemma has explained their decision to wait until their son is older before officially tying the knot, wanting him to participate meaningfully in the ceremony. She revealed they have considered various locations including Spain for Gorka's family or a Manchester registry office, but currently plan to wait 'maybe next year or the year after' when Thiago can be more involved.
Professional Commitments and Cancelled Reality Series
The couple's busy schedules have significantly impacted their personal lives and planning. Gemma previously disclosed that Gorka's extensive touring commitments with Strictly left them with minimal time together, contributing to their wedding postponement. Additionally, their reality television series 'Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind The Lens' has been cancelled after two successful seasons despite good ratings.
A spokesperson for UKTV confirmed there are 'no current plans for another series' due to both stars being occupied with other professional projects. The show had followed their family life behind the scenes and documented their journey as parents in Manchester.
Navigating Relationship Challenges
The couple has experienced their share of difficulties, particularly during 2023 when Gorka was unable to return home during the final six weeks of Strictly Come Dancing despite being eliminated in week three. More recently, Gorka's new role as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly - Bailando con las Estrellas - requires significant time in Madrid for filming.
This international commitment has created practical challenges for the family, with sources suggesting Gemma has been 'effectively raising two kids by herself' during Gorka's absences. An insider revealed that while Gemma remains supportive of his career, she found it particularly challenging when he couldn't travel back to Manchester to spend time with her and their children during previous Strictly commitments.
Despite these professional pressures and occasional social media criticism, the couple continues to navigate their relationship with humor and mutual support, with Gemma's distinctive Mancunian accent remaining a point of affectionate connection between them rather than division.
