Gemma Atkinson sends message to fans after being given boost amid TV response to parenting comment

Gemma Atkinson was given a welcomed boost as she found her parenting comments the subject of discussion on a string of programmes after she hit back at sparking 'backlash'.

The Hits Radio took to her Instagram Story earlier this week to discuss the differences between her daughter Mia and son Thiago. "Really noticing the differences in how Mia was to Thiago. It’s fun to watch. Toys are just banged or slid across the floor and the tantrums are new as Mia didn’t have them," she said.

"He pretend cries and throws himself on the floor. I stand and watch until he realises it’s getting him nowhere and they are slowly getting shorter. He pinches when he gets frustrated. I did it back to him on Wednesday as he did it hard to Mia.

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"He’s not done it since. He also runs away from me when I tell him to tidy up or it's time to get dressed etc... the little sh**e [crying laughing emoji]. He's keeping me fit that's for sure!

But it was the part of the above post that seemingly sparked a backlash with the information becoming a topic on This Morning, Loose Women and Good Morning Britain. Gemma had already denied she’d pinched her son and said she'd simply mimicked the 'nipping' action while she was telling him off for hurting his sister. She added: "As if I would!"

Regardless of her explanation afterwards, she still found herself the subject of the discussion and later on Thursday (October 3), Bury-born Gemma shared a message after being flooded with support from her fans and followers.

Sharing a typed-out message on her Instagram Story, the mum-of-two wrote: "I just wanted to say thank you for all your messages. Really, thank you. I've read them and your support means so much. As my dad always said, 'Don't let the b****rds get you down'."

But Gemma was able to take her mind off things as she had earlier revealed that her and Gorka Marquez's own reality show, Gemma & Gorka: Behind the Lens, had been nominated for an award.

Their W Channel show has made the long list for the TV Choice Awards 2025 in the 'Best Factual Show' category against the likes of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, Dragons' Den, Freddie Flintoff's Field Of Dreams On Tour. Rob And Rylan’s Grand Tour and For The Love Of Dogs With Alison Hammond.

Sharing the news alongside a clip from the show and a link to vote, Gemma said: "Our show's been nominated for 'Best Factual Show' at the TV Choice Awards. Thank you!"