Gorka Marquez broke down in tears during an emotional family moment with his partner, Gemma Atkinson. It came as they addressed Father's Day in a recent podcast episode. Gemma urged those 'lucky enough' to have a dad to enjoy the day this Sunday (June 21), before unveiling a surprise with a 'little message'.
Emotional Podcast Moment
Gemma, who played Lisa Hunter in Channel 4's Hollyoaks, met the Strictly pro when she took part in the BBC show in 2017. The pair are now engaged and share two children, Mia and Thiago. In honour of Father's Day, Gemma arranged a message from someone very close to Gorka, who shared their 'top five things' about him — reducing the former Strictly pro to tears.
The touching scenes unfolded on the couple's Lost In Translation podcast on June 17. As the episode got underway, a pre-recorded video of Mia appeared on screen. She said: 'Hi, Papa. Happy Father's Day. We love you. Love Mia and Thiago, not Mummy.'
Mia's Top Five Things
Mia continued: 'Number one: you're an amazing dad. Number two: you're super. Number three: you do smelly trumps — very smelly, very, very. Number four: you're helpful. Number five: you're helpful. And that's it. And you know Thiago will think everything I think because he's my brother and you're his dad. But also, because you're super and also because he agrees with everything that I say. So bye!'
A visibly emotional Gorka told Gemma: 'That's not fair. You should do that at the end, not now!' Gemma laughed and explained that they'd recorded the message while Gorka slept.
Gorka's Strictly Exit
In April, Gorka announced that he'd be quitting Strictly after 10 years on the show. Speaking in a statement at the time, he explained that it was 'time to hang up my dance shoes' and 'say goodbye'. He said: '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.'
Gorka hinted that he might return in the future, noting that he hopes to 'hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way'. He added: 'Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey.'
The 35-year-old Spanish dancer first joined the show in 2016; his exit came after a recent cast overhaul. Other notable names to depart the show include Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk. Meanwhile, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will serve as Strictly's new presenters when the show returns in September.
