Gemma Atkinson has revealed that her fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez, is tailoring his work commitments around her pregnancy and the arrival of their second child. The couple, who met on the set of Strictly in 2017, are already parents to daughter Mia, born in July 2019.
Speaking to Fabulous magazine, Atkinson explained that Márquez skipped the Strictly tour earlier this year to support her through the early stages of pregnancy. She dismissed fan speculation that he had been dropped from the show, saying: 'It was bizarre, because we were reading comments saying that he’d been axed and was leaving the show. I was like: “Oh no, people think you’ve been dropped.” He said: “I don’t care.” He doesn’t bother about anything like that.'
Atkinson, 38, confirmed that Márquez is prioritising family over work. He is currently touring with fellow pro Karen Hauer in the show Firedance until early April, but has booked June and July off to be present for the birth of their son. He will then return to Strictly in August for the main series.
'He loves dancing and the whole Strictly family so much, but he’s wary of taking time away from his family,' Atkinson said. 'Being together when the baby is born means he can be fully focused on doing the show from August to Christmas.'
