While Gemma Atkinson is at home in Manchester with her newborn son Thiago and four-year-old daughter Mia this September, her partner Gorka Márquez will be in London teaching a top celebrity to tango on Strictly Come Dancing .
However, the couple isn't worried that the show's legendary curse will tear their perfect family apart.
The actress, 38, met Gorka on the show when she was partnered with his pal Aljaž Škorjanec, and soon fell in love.
The show has made many successful couples like Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley, but it has also seen couples split too.
However, Gorka insists romances and break ups happen in all industries – not just ballroom dancing. “It’s a myth,” says Gorka. “That can happen everywhere in any job.”
Gemma is similarly relaxed and in fact will be encouraging Gorka to find some chemistry with his dance partner.
She explains, “I remember when I had to dance the rumba with Aljaž. Everyone said, ‘You have to look into his eyes and get close,’ and I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is awful!’. But the dance looked rubbish because I didn’t do it. So then I remember saying to Helen [Skelton], ‘You’ve got to be passionate with Gorka, that’s part of the dance.’ I’m always rooting for them to have chemistry!”
She adds, “I think Gorka and I are very lucky in that we’re both understanding of each other’s jobs. We’re chilled.”
Gemma is currently trying to persuade her former Emmerdale co-star Amy Walsh to sign up for the dancing competition. She’s certainly got the pedigree – Amy’s sister and Girls Aloud singer Kimberley was a finalist back in 2012.
“I’m desperate for Amy Walsh to do the show,” says Gemma. “Gorka knows Amy and she loves a boogie. Kimberley was fab and I think Amy would be wonderful because she’s just so likeable.”
Amy is currently planning her wedding to fiancé Toby-Alexander Smith – so has her pal’s wedding plans inspired Gemma and Gorka to tie the knot?
“Let me fit in my dress first!” she jokes. “We’re quite chilled with it all. We have two babies. I’m not really fussed by a white wedding. A nice little quiet affair with friends and family and we’ll be happy.”
Gemma is famously passionate about keeping fit and posts regular videos of herself working out in her home gym with her mini-me daughter alongside.
However, she won’t be heading straight back to the weights after Thiago’s birth. Instead, she wants to spend time bonding with him and making sure Mia gets the best start when she joins reception next month.
Self-care is high on Gemma’s list, though, and she’s keen to focus on eating well before returning to the gym. “With Mia it was about 16 weeks before I did anything, this time around it will probably be longer because Mia is starting school and Gorka is going to Strictly,” says Gemma. “I’m more focused now on the nutrition side of things now my hormones are settling and I’m not craving Haribos and bread.
“I’m all about getting back to feeling like myself before physically looking like I used to. I’ve done the biggest workout of my life and the gym is always going to be there. I don’t want to miss special moments.”
Although the weights can wait, Gemma loves having a post-workout ice bath, which she believes boosts her happy hormones. “I’ve missed the ice bath!” she laughs. “I never thought I’d say that. It’s those little things to make you feel good.”
Gemma’s determined to enjoy her maternity leave, but when her time off ends, she won’t be looking for new acting roles. Instead, she’ll continue presenting her Hits Radio show from 4pm to 7pm alongside Mike Toolan, and working on her brand.
“I don’t think I will [return to acting],” says Gemma. “I’ve got the radio, I’ve got the podcast. I’ve got all my fitness stuff and my brand stuff with In The Style. I wouldn’t do soaps again, the hours are so gruelling.
“I’m in a place now where I can be a bit more picky. I’ve been working full-time in acting since I was 15 so I feel like I’ve done all that now. I’ve got a nice stage where I can be at home a lot more. I feel very lucky.”
Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens airs on W at 8pm, Wednesday 30 August
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