Strictly Come Dancing stars Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have disclosed a surprisingly relatable domestic dispute that became so heated it led to a separate sleeping arrangement.
The couple, who share two children, found themselves at odds over the temperature of their bedroom, with the conflict stemming from Gemma's dedication to her wellness routine.
The Great Bedroom Temperature Debate
The issue came to a head on their shared podcast, Lost in Translation, where Spanish dancer Gorka explained his preference for a cool sleeping environment. His ideal bedroom temperature is between 18 and 21C.
However, Gemma's use of a 'sauna blanket' and other biohacking devices was causing the room's mercury to rise to a sweltering 26C, making it impossible for him to sleep.
Gorka vividly described the scene: "I'm in bed already with my glasses and my laptop... But she goes and puts the mat on top of the bed, she lies on top of the bed, full power... That red light gets hot, so it also heats up the bed, and that heat goes to me."
Finding a Biohacking Compromise
Gemma, a 41-year-old actress, responded with good humour, recalling that Gorka had compared her biohacking setup—which included a red light helmet, an eye mask, and blue light blockers—to looking like "a corpse on a slab."
Despite the humour, she acknowledged the disruption to her partner's sleep and proposed a practical solution. She offered to perform her biohacking rituals in the spare room before returning to their shared bed.
The couple formally agreed to this new arrangement, sealing the deal with a handshake to ensure both their wellness needs and sleeping comfort were met.
From Strictly Partners to Life Partners
Gemma and Gorka first met in 2017 on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. Interestingly, they were not paired together during the competition.
Gemma reached the final with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, while Gorka did the same with singer Alexandra Burke. Both couples ultimately lost to actor Joe McFadden and his partner Katya Jones.
Their professional relationship blossomed into a personal one, and they now are parents to six-year-old daughter Mia and two-year-old son Thiago.
