Gorka Marquez shared an update into his relationship with Gemma Atkinson as he dropped a marriage bombshell. Spanish dancer Gorka met former soapstar Gemma when she took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2017.
Gemma, 40, made it to the final of the series alongside professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec. Gorka, 34, was partnered with Alexandra Burke as Holby City star Joe McFadden lifted the famous Glitterball Trophy.
Gorka and Gemma however found love together on the show, confirming their relationship early in 2018. In February 2019, the couple – who share children Mia, five, and Thiago, two, together – announced their engagement.
However they are yet to walk down the aisle. Gorka recently revealed they did have plans to get married, but then Gemma became pregnant with Mia, Covid hit, and then Gemma was pregnant again.
Gorka however insists the couple do still intend to get married. Speaking to Heat magazine, Gorka said: “We’re going to get married but we’re happy how we are. We have two children, so it doesn’t matter if we sign a document or not.”
The Strictly star hinted that the couple may wait until youngest child Thiago is older to walk down the aisle. It came as he explained the delay in getting married.
Speaking to HELLO!, he added: “It will be nice, but we wanted to get married before, but then we had Mia. Then COVID happened. Then after COVID we got pregnant with Thiago. [Gemma] was like: ‘I’m not going to have a wedding pregnant after the pregnancy she’s like I need to get in shape. I don’t want to go after the baby.
“And also Thiago now still not independent so we say when they are old enough they both can walk and be independent. Imagine being on your wedding and he’s crying and just wants mummy.”
Gemma has previously said she “feels married” to Gorka, who recently took part in Soccer Aid, as the pair announced they are looking for a second home abroad. The Hits Radio star made the announcement during a question and answer session on Instagram.
She said: “Possibly next year… We’ve been back and forth about registry offices/going to Spain.
“None of us want a big fuss or lots of guests so we may just go and do it with just family and come back and have a huge party! I’ve never wanted a big white wedding. More than happy with a lovely small one [red heart emoji]. We feel married anyway.”
Another follower quizzed Gemma on whether she would swap the UK for Spain. She added: “We’ve actually just sent final details to an estate agent in Malaga about a property there.
“Not to live full time but somewhere we can go at the drop of a hat, even for weekends, and Gorka’s parents can meet us there. I really want both Mia and Thiago to know their Spanish roots and be able to travel to and from frequently.”