The Hit Radio host and Strictly star Gorka Marquez, who met during Strictly Come Dancing's 2017 series, share two children
Gemma Atkinson has admitted her 'fear' around her children growing up, particularly because she and her fiance Gorka Marquez are the public eye.
As fans of the Hit Radio host and the dancer will know, the couple met during Strictly Come Dancing's 2017 series, when they were paired with different partners.
Love then blossomed early the following year on the show's popular tour and Gemma and Gorka have since welcomed two children - Mia, five, and one-year-old Thiago - and got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021.
The pair often keep their loyal following updated on their family life on social media and on Wednesday (June 4), Gemma shared her delight at daughter Mia picking up a new hobby, which led to her opening up about what her children may face in the future.
Speaking in a series of videos on her Instagram Story, the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star said: "In other news, which I'm chuffed about, Mia's starting Brazilian jiu jitsu on Sunday," before raising her arm in a celebratory style and saying: "Yes!"
She went on: "I'm so glad she wants to do it. I've been saying for ages, they both, Thiago when he's older obviously, need to learn to defend themselves. I don't want them to go out fighting, they won't go out to fight.
But, I was going to say if, when a fight is brought to them, because ultimatley it will happen because kids, unfortunatley, these days as they got older, it will happen. I want them to defend themselves. I want them to know they can defend themselves. I can't go round fighting kids [laughs]. And I will [laughs]!"
She added: "But yeah, she starts on Sunday and I'm so glad. I hope she likes it. And I know as well with Mia having me and Gorka, well both of them having me and Gorka as parents, they will, at some point, be a target just because of that.
"'Er your dad's a dancer, er your mum's on the radio'. They will. I used to get it when I was in Hollyoaks when I'd go out, for no reason... So I know it will happen, through no fault of their own anyway. So yeah, as and when, I just think it'll be great..."
Alongside the clip, Gemma also wrote: "The teenage years have always been a fear for me because I know it's going to be like at some point. The thought of anyone being snide or kicking off with them fills me with dread."
Meanwhile, Gemma and Gorka recently welcomed a new addition to the family. Last month, they confirmed they'd welcomed a new puppy into their home following their heartbreaking losses last year.
Those who follow Gemma on social media will be aware that she was devastated at the death of her dogs, Norman and Ollie, within just six months of each other.
It was in early May that Gorka took to social media and posted photos of their new goldendoodle puppy settling into his new home. He shared alongside the adorable snaps: "Another set of paws New memories to make. So far, today has been the best day of 2025… Welcome to the family Benji Marquez."
Gemma has since posted her own video, in which Benji could be seen being fussed by Thiago alongside the caption: "The dog I have now..." before another clip showed Thiago with Norman and Ollie.
Alongside the post, Gemma wrote: "You sent another Angel because you knew i needed one. Thank you Norman & Ollie... Let the fun begin with Benji."
