‘We're never going to get this time together again'

Gemma Atkinson opens up about spending lockdown with Gorka Márquez and their adorable daughter Mia

- JULIE ANN TRAINOR

Not only did she have the time of her life when competing on Strictly Come Dancing, but it’s also where Gemma Atkinson met the man of her dreams.

The soap star’s relationship with professional dancer Gorka Márquez has gone from strength to strength since her stint on the BBC dance show in 2017, and they now have a baby daughter together, 11-month-old Mia.

When we speak to Gemma, 35, who’s isolating at her Manchester home during lockdown, she admits dancing with Gorka isn’t usually on the agenda in their everyday life.

“Dancing is the last thing we do together when we’re at home,” she explains. “He said it’s like being a painter and on your month off someone saying, ‘Do you want to do this canvas with me?’”

As well as looking after her little girl, the actress, famed for her roles in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, has been hosting the drive-time show on Hits Radio.

Here, she talks to us about family life during lockdown, the return of Strictly and why she doesn’t feel under pressure to look a certain way…

Hi Gemma! Have you and Gorka been having date nights like a lot of couples in lockdown?