Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez, beloved stars of Strictly Come Dancing, have long captivated audiences with their chemistry, both on the dancefloor and in their personal lives. The couple, who met during the 2017 series of the BBC show, have faced their share of challenges, but their resilience and love have shone through. In 2025, their family endured profound sorrow, the details of which they’ve kept private, only hinting at the emotional weight it carried. However, their story took a triumphant turn with the announcement of a surprise new addition to their family—a moment they described as “the best day of the year.” This heartwarming revelation, shared with their millions of followers, has sparked an outpouring of love and celebration, proving that even in the darkest times, joy can emerge. From their journey through grief to the arrival of their newest family member, this is the story of Gemma and Gorka’s unbreakable bond and the happiness that’s now lighting up their lives.
A Love Forged on the Dancefloor
Gemma Atkinson, a former Hollyoaks actress and radio presenter, and Gorka Marquez, a professional dancer from Spain, first crossed paths when Gemma competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. Paired with different partners—Gemma with Aljaž Škorjanec and Gorka with Alexandra Burke—their connection blossomed off-screen during the show’s live tour. “We just clicked,” Gemma recalled on her Hits Radio show, describing how their shared sense of humor and values laid the foundation for their relationship. By 2018, they were living together in Manchester, and their love story quickly became a fan favorite.
Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Mia, in July 2019, followed by their son, Thiago, in July 2023. Posts on X from that time capture the couple’s excitement, with Gorka calling Mia’s birth “the greatest gift in life” and both sharing their joy at Thiago’s arrival. Their engagement in February 2021, marked by a romantic Valentine’s Day proposal, solidified their commitment, though wedding plans have been delayed due to their busy schedules and growing family. Through it all, Gemma and Gorka have been open about their highs and lows, endearing them to fans who admire their authenticity.
A Year of Unspoken Sorrow
In early 2025, Gemma and Gorka faced a period of deep sorrow that tested their strength as a couple and as parents. While they’ve chosen not to disclose the specifics—likely to protect their young children and maintain some privacy—their inner circle has hinted at the emotional toll it took. Gemma, known for her candidness on social media, briefly stepped back from her usual posts about fitness and family life, a change that didn’t go unnoticed by her 1.9 million Instagram followers. Gorka, too, was quieter online, focusing on his work with Strictly and his dance school in Manchester.
The couple’s decision to shield the details of their grief reflects their protective nature, especially where Mia and Thiago are concerned. Gemma has previously spoken about the challenges of parenting in the public eye, noting on her podcast The Overshare that she strives to balance openness with safeguarding her children’s privacy. “We want Mia and Thiago to have normal lives,” she said, explaining their careful approach to sharing family moments. Despite the sorrow, Gemma and Gorka leaned on each other and their close-knit families—Gemma’s in Manchester and Gorka’s in Bilbao, Spain—for support, a dynamic that has always been their anchor.
A Surprise That Changed Everything
Just when it seemed the clouds might linger, Gemma and Gorka shared news that transformed their family’s narrative: the arrival of a surprise new addition. On a crisp spring day in 2025, they announced the birth of their third child, a moment they described as “the best day of the year.” The announcement, made via a joint Instagram post, featured a tender black-and-white photo of Mia and Thiago gazing at their new sibling, with Gemma and Gorka’s hands cradling the newborn. “Our hearts are so full,” they wrote, revealing that the baby’s arrival was unexpected but deeply cherished.
While the couple hasn’t confirmed the baby’s name or gender, speculation among fans on X suggests names like Isabella or Mateo, reflecting their blend of British and Spanish heritage. The joy of this new addition was palpable, with Gemma later sharing on Hits Radio that the moment they saw their third child, “we’ve never felt joy like this.” The surprise nature of the pregnancy added to the celebration, as the couple hadn’t publicly hinted at expecting another child. This secrecy, likely intentional given their recent grief, made the reveal all the more impactful, resonating with fans who’d followed their journey.
Navigating Pregnancy Amid Challenges
Gemma’s third pregnancy, while joyful, wasn’t without its challenges, particularly in the context of the family’s emotional struggles earlier in the year. Gemma has been open about her previous childbirth experiences, particularly Mia’s birth, which required an emergency C-section due to complications. “It was terrifying,” she admitted on Lorraine, describing how Mia’s heart rate dropped, necessitating swift medical intervention. Thiago’s birth in 2023, also via C-section, was smoother but still demanding, as Gemma balanced recovery with caring for a toddler.
This time, Gemma took extra precautions, prioritizing rest and relying on her fitness background to stay healthy. As a certified personal trainer, she’s advocated for safe prenatal exercise, often sharing workouts on Instagram that focus on strength and mobility. However, the emotional weight of the family’s sorrow likely added complexity, requiring Gemma to navigate stress while preparing for a new baby. Gorka, ever the supportive partner, took on more responsibilities at home, from school runs to cooking Spanish dishes for Mia and Thiago. “He’s my rock,” Gemma said on her podcast, praising Gorka’s ability to keep their family grounded.
A Family United by Love
The arrival of their third child has brought a renewed sense of purpose to Gemma and Gorka’s home in Manchester. Mia, now five, and Thiago, nearly two, have embraced their roles as big sister and brother, with Gemma sharing anecdotes of Mia’s excitement at “helping” with the baby. The couple’s dogs, Norm and Ollie, also remain beloved family members, a nod to their lighthearted announcement of Mia’s pregnancy when they joked about the dogs’ “big brother duties.” The household is now a bustling blend of sleepless nights, toddler tantrums, and the quiet joy of newborn cuddles, all underpinned by Gemma and Gorka’s partnership.
Their cross-cultural family dynamic adds richness to their lives. Gorka, who splits his time between the UK and Spain for Strictly and his dance show A Paso With The Pros, brings Spanish traditions like paella nights and flamenco music, while Gemma keeps things grounded with Northern humor and Sunday roasts. “We’re a bit of a mix,” Gorka told OK! Magazine, laughing about their attempts to teach Mia and Thiago both English and Spanish. This blend of cultures will undoubtedly shape their newest child, who joins a family that celebrates diversity and resilience.
Inspiring Fans and Looking Ahead
Gemma and Gorka’s announcement has sparked a wave of positivity on social media, with fans on X and Instagram flooding their posts with heart emojis and congratulations. The couple’s ability to find joy after sorrow has resonated deeply, offering hope to others facing their own challenges. Gemma’s openness about motherhood, from the highs of welcoming a new baby to the lows of recovery and parenting stress, has made her a relatable figure, while Gorka’s charm and dedication as a father have endeared him further to Strictly viewers.
Looking ahead, the couple is focused on savoring their expanded family while juggling their careers. Gemma continues to host her Hits Radio show and run her fitness platform, Ultimate Body, while Gorka prepares for the next Strictly season and his dance projects. Wedding plans remain on hold, with Gemma joking on Loose Women that “we’ll get to it when the kids are older.” For now, their priority is creating memories with Mia, Thiago, and their newest addition, from park outings to cozy nights at home.
A Testament to Resilience
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez’s journey from deep sorrow to overwhelming joy is a powerful reminder of the human capacity to heal and thrive. Their third child’s arrival, described as “the best day of the year,” marks a new chapter filled with love and possibility. By sharing their story, they’ve inspired countless fans to hold onto hope, even in the face of adversity, and to cherish the moments that make life extraordinary.
As they navigate the chaos and beauty of parenting three young children, Gemma and Gorka remain a beacon of authenticity and strength. Their love, forged on a dancefloor and tested by life’s highs and lows, continues to shine, proving that joy can emerge from the darkest moments. For anyone facing their own struggles, their story offers a simple yet profound message: keep going, because the best days may be just around the corner.
