Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has shared the poignant and deeply personal reasons why she and her fiancé, professional dancer Gorka Marquez, have yet to walk down the aisle, despite being engaged for over three years.
The Heartbreaking Family Loss
Gemma Atkinson, 41, and Gorka Marquez, 35, got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021, but a wedding date remains unset. The couple, who met during the 2017 series of Strictly, have built a beautiful family with their two children, daughter Mia and son Thiago. However, Gemma has revealed that one significant emotional hurdle has prevented her from planning the big day: the absence of her father.
Her father, David Atkinson, died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 52 when Gemma was just 17. In a heartfelt open letter written for Father's Day, the actress and presenter confessed that the thought of getting married without her dad present is something she finds incredibly difficult. The idea of him not being there to walk her down the aisle is a particularly painful prospect.
A Name and a Legacy
Adding to the emotional complexity is Gemma's connection to her family name. She has explained that she is the last remaining 'Atkinson' in her direct family line. For her, the prospect of legally changing her surname through marriage feels like losing her final tangible link to her father. She has acknowledged that she and Gorka have been close to organising their wedding on several occasions, but each time "something stops me".
Despite this, Gemma finds comfort in knowing that her father would have approved of Gorka and been proud of the family they have created together. She keeps his memory alive for their children, who often talk about him and affectionately refer to him as "GanGan David".
Family Focus and Health Priorities
Gorka has been unwavering in his support, stating publicly that they do intend to marry but feel no rush, especially while their children are very young. He has explained that they would prefer to wait until their son, Thiago, is a little older and more independent, making the logistics of a wedding day less challenging than with a toddler in tow.
Furthermore, the family's immediate focus has recently been on their daughter's health. Gemma has revealed that Mia has been diagnosed with epilepsy and is undergoing treatment. She experiences absence seizures but has shown significant improvement in recent months following medical advice. As part of her care plan, medical experts have suggested introducing a ketogenic diet to help manage her condition.
Between navigating the emotional landscape of grief and legacy, prioritising their young family's daily life, and managing their daughter's health journey, wedding plans have understandably taken a back seat for this devoted couple.
