Gemma Atkinson, the actress and former glamour model, has candidly discussed a painful betrayal by a "horrible" ex-boyfriend, revealing that her mother had warned her about his "bad energy" from the start. Now happily engaged to Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez, with whom she shares two children, Mia and Thiago, Atkinson didn't hold back in describing this past relationship.
Mum's Warning Ignored
Speaking on the Lost in Translation podcast in collaboration with Hits Radio, Atkinson recalled dating a man when she was around 17 or 18 years old. She introduced him to her mother, who immediately expressed disapproval, stating she didn't like him and that he had "a bad energy about him." Atkinson admitted she initially dismissed her mother's concerns, arguing that she was wrong.
Friends Echo Concerns
Atkinson also introduced the boyfriend to her friends, including one named Laura, who similarly expressed distrust, saying she wanted to "batter him." Despite these warnings, Atkinson continued the relationship, only to discover a year later that her mother and friends were right. The ex-boyfriend sold a story about her to the press, took money for it, and behaved in what she described as a "horrible" manner.
Advice on Trusting Instincts
Reflecting on the experience, Atkinson offered advice to others, emphasizing that if a parent doesn't like a partner on the first meeting, there might be a valid reason. She stated, "They say mums know best," highlighting the importance of trusting parental instincts in relationships.
Dogs' Judgment as a Guide
In addition to parental advice, Atkinson suggested that people should always trust a dog's judgment if it doesn't like a person. She added that she doesn't trust individuals who don't like dogs, a point that Gorka Marquez humorously countered by joking that he has "never liked dogs" and has faked it for eight years, even playfully claiming his "name is not Gorka."
Romantic History and Current Happiness
Atkinson, known for her role as Lisa Hunter on Channel 4's Hollyoaks, met Gorka Marquez on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Their romance blossomed, leading to an engagement in 2021. Prior to this, Atkinson had a colorful romantic history, being linked to actors and sportsmen, including footballers Marcus Bent and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Previous Relationship Cheating
Atkinson also revealed that she was cheated on in the relationship she had immediately before Gorka. While on holiday in the Bahamas with that partner, she posted a sunset picture on Instagram, which he then used as his WhatsApp profile picture. A woman later messaged Atkinson, revealing that her boyfriend had lied about being in Florida with friends, exposing the infidelity.
This experience, combined with the betrayal by the ex-boyfriend who sold her story, has shaped Atkinson's views on trust and relationships. She now advocates for listening to close ones and pets when it comes to judging character, underscoring the lessons learned from her past romantic missteps.
