Gemma Atkinson
(Image: Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

Gemma Atkinson says 'exhausted' as she celebrates Gorka Marquez's return after BBC Strictly Come Dancing

by · Manchester Evening News

Gemma Atkinson has celebrated Gorka Marquez's return home as she offered an 'exhausted' update. The Hits Radio host has been holding down the fort at home as her fiancé returned to work on Strictly Come Dancing for the end of the 2024 series.

While they're no strangers to their work taking them in different directions over the years, the pair recently had to spend a chunk of time in different parts of the country as dancer Gorka competed in the hit dance show with Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.

Punam was based in Glasgow being Gorka temporarily moved to Scotland while they competed in the hit dance show, while also travelling to London each weekend for Strictly's live programme each week.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Chris McCausland says 'it's got to stop' and speaks out on Dianne Buswell 'split'

But, following Strictly's Halloween special at the end of October, Gorka and Dr Punam were eliminated from the competition, meaning the former's time in Scotland came to an end and he was able to return to Greater Manchester to be back with his family.

However, Gorka then went back on the move again as it was recently confirmed he'd be taking part in Strictly's Christmas special after fellow pro dancer Carlos Gu had to pull out. He was due to perform in the festive episode alongside Vogue Williams but Gorka has been drafted in because Carlos suffered an ankle injury.

The Spanish dancer was also in rehearsals for Strictly's grand final, which took place on Saturday night (December 14) and saw Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell crowned the Strictly 2024 winners as they lifted the famous Glitterball trophy.

Gorka with his children Mia and Thiago
(Image: Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

But as the glitter settles on another series of the hit BBE One dance show, Gorka returned home, where he reunited with Gemma and their two young children - Mia, five, and Thiago, one.

Bury-born Gemma shared a photo of her fiancé cuddled up with their kids on a sofa. She included John Whiteleather & the King Rats' song 'Daddy's Home' in the post that she shared to her Instagram Story alongside the caption: "Exhausted, but reunited."

She also shared a video of her talking to the camera as she enjoyed a stint in the couple's own home sauna. "Gorka's home which means I can have a good sweat in the sauna," Gemma said. "It's been so long since I've been able to sit in the sauna properly. It feels good. And no more 5am training sessions. I can get up at six but it's better than four..."