Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has opened up about her late father, admitting he would have loved Gorka Marquez.
In an emotional interview with Happiful magazine, Gemma, 33, spoke about losing her dad when she was just 17 and how she knew he wouldve loved to meet her boyfriend, Strictly professional Gorka.
She said: “I think hed love him. Hed say hes a gentleman. Everyone whos met Gorka says that.”
Gemma and Gorka met during last years season of Strictly Come Dancing, and confirmed their relationship on Valentines day this year via Instagram.
Fun day in the sun
@gorka_marquez
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Gemma credits her dancer boyfriend with helping her stay in great shape and also said in the interview: “I love the fact that Gorkas an amazing cook, and I love eating so its a great combo. Outside the gym its like being best mates.”
Hinting at the possibility of having children, Gemma added: “In ten years time when hopefully weve got a couple of kids around I wont want to be out of breath. Its nice to have someone who says youre beautiful regardless.”
Fro Yo stop in Alicante @gorka_marquez
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As well as opening up about her relationship, the actress and presenter spoke about how losing her father at such a young age inspired her to start looking after herself better.
Despite being a non-smoker and drinking only occasionally, Gemmas father, David, died aged 52 from a sudden heart attack. And Gemma confessed that the tragedy spurred her to “take care of [herself] as best [she] can” through diet and exercise.
The former Strictly contestant said: “It hit me that lifes too short. Dad was 52 and very healthy. He never smoked and only drank every few weeks – there was nothing wrong with him.”
“Since then, Ive wanted to take care of myself as best I can, and thats why I always drill that health is more important than what you look like.”
Gemma also revealed how her familys support helped her through such a difficult time, and that she made a pact with them to never be afraid to talk about her father following his death.
The former Hollyoaks actress recently became a patron for Grief Encounter, one of the UKs leading child bereavement charities.
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Announcing the news on Instagram, Gemma wrote: “Im happy to announce that I have come on board as a Patron of the wonderful charity @griefencounter I wanted to work with this charity because my dad died suddenly when I was only 17 years old. I know how heartbreaking and confusing grief is to navigate as a child because Ive been through it.
“The work that Grief Encounter do to support children of all ages after they lose a parent or a sibling is SO important.
“I feel passionately about all children having the right support to process their grief at such a difficult time #support #charity #makeadifference.”
Words by Isa Jaward.
The post Strictlys Gemma Atkinson wishes late father could have met gentleman Gorka Marquez appeared first on Woman Magazine.
