Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson took to social media as they shared a heartfelt family update. The couple met on the hit BBC dancing show in 2017 and got engaged in 2021. They have delayed their wedding multiple times, once because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and also due to the birth of their two children, daughter Mia, six, and son Thiago, one.
Gemma and Gorka appeared to be having a double celebration over the weekend as their two children were christened, with Mia also turning six. The couple regularly share insights into their life away from the spotlight on social media. Gorka took to Instagram to share several gorgeous snaps from the special weekend. He captioned the post: "A full weekend of celebrations."
The family celebrated the religious milestone with a white double-tired cake which had a gold cross, and the names Mia and Thiago in gold writing. The two children also dressed up for the occasion, with Mia in an elegant white gown and Thiago in a shirt and a blue bow tie.
Also in the roundup of snaps from the busy weekend, Mia celebrated her sixth birthday with a pink "Birthday Girl" balloon. Gorka also shared a snap of his two little ones blowing out the candles on Mia's birthday cake. A photograph of their family dog Benji was also added into the mix.
Several Strictly stars took to the comments to send their love after the "beautiful" family update. Dianne Buswell, who was lucky enough to lift the glitterball trophy alongside Chris McCausland last year, wrote: "So cute."
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Professional dancer Lauren Oakley, who took over from Amy Dowden to take JLS star JB Gill all the way to the final, said: "Beautiful family."
Nikita Kuzmin, Karen Hauer and Vito Coppola added red love heart emojis, alongside Strictly celebrity contestants Helen Skelton and Punam Krishan, who was partnered with Gorka on the latest season of the BBC show.
Fans also took to the comments on social media, supporting the family on the beautiful occasion. One said: "Sooo beautiful, precious memories!!!" A second said: "Simply gorgeous." A third added: "Such a lovely family xxxx."
Music stars Jedward also added: "Awww cosy vibes happy for you." Another fan said: "Beautiful family. Lovely precious memories made."
Over the weekend, Gemma also shared a post dedicated to Mia's birthday, alongside a video which included snaps from the day she was born six years ago.
Gemma wrote: "6 today! It’s true that when you become a parent the days are long but the years are short. I feel like I’ve blinked and here you are. A kind, empathetic, funny, caring, beautiful little lady, and we couldn’t be any more proud of you.
"The most wonderful big sister to Tio and Benji and you keep me, papa and the rest of our family entertained daily without even knowing it. My birthday wish for you is health & happiness.
"And that you always keep being authentically you. Keep speaking your mind and keep asking those questions and if ever in doubt, mum and papa will sort it. We’ll sort anything for you. Mia Louise Marquez. Our little force of nature. We love you "
Gemma'a fiance Gorka has been a key member of the Strictly cast since he joined the show in 2016. The professional dancer competed on the last season of the BBC show with Dr Punam Krishan and they lasted until week six of the competition. The 34-year-old followed up his stint on the show with a UK tour alongside fellow dancer Karen Hauer.
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