Gemma Atkinson is reportedly “struggling” to cope with her fiancée Gorka Marquez's heavy work commitments as the couple go through a reportedly “difficult period” in their relationship.
Last year the 39-year-old actress was said to be “frustrated” when the 33-year-old professional dancer was unable to come home for the final six weeks of Strictly Come Dancing, despite being voted off in the third week along with partner Nikita Kanda.
Gorka has now signed up to be a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, for which he will spend a lot of time filming in Madrid.
While the Spanish dancer flies across Europe for his new role, Gemma looks after her four-year-old daughter Mia and her six-month-old son Thiago. A source told The Mirror that she's “basically raising two kids on her own.”
The insider added: Gemma knows how important Gorka's work is to him and does her best to support him, but she found it difficult when he couldn't travel back to Manchester to spend time with her and the children, herself if he “was voted out in last year's series.”
Gemma Atkinson is reportedly “struggling” to cope with her fiancée Gorka Marquez's heavy work commitments as the couple go through a reportedly “difficult period” in their relationship
Speaking about his new role on Spanish Strictly, they added: “Gemma knows he just wants to support his family but it's disappointing for her. “It's a really difficult time for her.
“Gemma was focused on the end of the series as the end point – but the role of judge was too good an opportunity to pass up. “As with any couple, the longer they are apart, the greater the tension between them.”
Web has contacted Gemma and Gorka's representatives for comment.
Gorka confirmed his new job on Instagram last week, sharing: “Finally I can share the news that I will be one of the judges in the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas @bailandoest.”
“So excited [be] Back in Spain and at the show that changed my whole life and I'm happy to be sitting on the other side of the dance floor this time, even if I'm not sure I can hold myself and not dance.
“The first show is this Saturday (01/13/24) and I can’t wait.”
Gemma was quick to show her support in the comments section, writing: “Woohoo! So proud and so excited to watch (if I can understand Spanish TV).”
Last month, Gemma shared her reaction after Gorka returned home from Strictly.
She wrote: “He's home after three and a half weeks!” I actually threw up on her. Bye honey. Mom wants to sit down. @gorka_marquez!'
Last year the 39-year-old actress was said to be “frustrated” when the 33-year-old professional dancer was unable to come home for the final six weeks of Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka confirmed his new job as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly on Instagram last week and Gemma was quick to show her support in the comments section, writing: “Woohoo!”
Gorka was away preparing for the Strictly final after his appearance on the show was cut short due to his elimination in week two.
This came after Gemma spoke about Gorka having to be “passionate” towards his Strictly partners in order to get a high score – removing the series' curse.
Gemma, who gave birth to her second child in July, spoke about the importance of a connection between the dancers and how they needed “chemistry”.
A former contestant herself in 2017, she told The Metro: “I remember when I had to dance rumba with Aljaž.”
“Everyone said, 'You have to look him in the eyes and get close to him,' and I said, 'Oh my God, that's terrible!' But the dance looked like crap because I didn't do it.
“Then I remember saying it to Helen [Skelton]”With Gorka you have to be passionate, that's part of the dance. I'm always in favor of the chemistry between them being right!”
When asked if she was “scared” if 33-year-old Gorka was gone, she defiantly said no and joked that she only cared about where he lived so he could help her with the school run after rehearsals.
She added: “I think if we were together all day, every day, 24/7, we would probably hate it.” “It's been that way throughout our relationship, so I think that's probably why it works, We don’t really know any different.”
Last month, Gemma shared her reaction after Gorka returned home from Strictly, joking that her children Mia, four, and Thiago, six months, had “really thrown up on her”.
Gorka was away preparing for the Strictly final after his appearance on the show was cut short due to his exit in week two with his celebrity partner Nikita Kanda