Gemma Atkinson has jokingly claimed that a fan's remark about Gorka Marquez has 'ruined' their relationship after a listener pointed out a resemblance between the former Strictly Come Dancing professional and tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Fan's Doppelganger Observation
Former glamour model Gemma, known for her role as Lisa Hunter in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, met Gorka when she participated in the BBC show in 2017. The couple now have two children, Mia and Thiago, are engaged, and co-host the podcast Lost in Translation.
On a recent episode, they responded to a message from a listener named Lisa, who wrote: 'I was watching and chuckling along to the pod this morning. You mentioned Gorka's doppelganger. I said to my husband a few weeks ago when Novak Djokovic was on the telly that I think he looks quite a bit like Gorka. He says no, but I still think I'm right. Look at this picture of Djokovic in the green and look at Gorka today.'
Gemma's Reaction
Gorka dismissed the comparison, insisting he looked 'nothing like him'. Gemma acknowledged she wouldn't want her partner to resemble the Serbian tennis star, explaining that while he is an 'incredible athlete', she doesn't find him 'attractive'. Initially, Gemma didn't see the likeness, but Gorka's 'side profile' revealed 'a little bit' of a resemblance. 'Oh, Lisa. You've ruined it for me,' she joked. Gorka added: 'You're just ruining my relationship with her. Now she's not gonna be close to me.'
Gorka's Departure from Strictly
The lighthearted moment follows Gorka's announcement earlier this year that he would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after a decade, having joined in 2016. In April, he said it was time to 'hang up my dance shoes'. In a statement, he said: 'I've decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. 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.'
Recent Holiday Mishap
Last month, the couple enjoyed a child-free trip to Gorka's native Spain, but the holiday was impacted by illness. Gemma said she 'got ill', something that happens 'whenever I go away'. She admitted: 'It was literally my own fault. There's nothing I can say other than I was a greedy, indulgent pig.' Gorka joked: 'That's why there's no child number three. I think she does it on purpose... I was getting ready – shave that bush and everything for the night.' Gemma, however, spent the night 'projectile vomiting.'
