Strictly Come Dancing couple Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have been engaged for more than a year and are parents to two children – but something is stopping them getting hitched
Gemma Atkinson has candidly shared her thoughts on why 'something stops her' from forging ahead with her wedding plans to fiancé Gorka Marquez.
Fans will know that the romance between the Hits Radio presenter and the professional dancer blossomed in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom back in 2017.
The smitten pair recently marked their seventh anniversary, having made their relationship public in early 2018 following their stint on the BBC One dance competition.
Gemma and Gorka later got engaged in 2021 and are now doting parents to two children - daughter Mia, five, and one year old son Thiago. However, the couple have yet to officially say their vows.
During a Q&A session with her followers, she was asked about her family life, with one follower querying: "Will you be getting married soon?"
Alongside a nostalgic photo of herself and Gorka, Gemma responded: "Possibly next year... We've been back and forth about registry offices/going to Spain.
"None of us want a big fuss or lots of guests so we may just go and do it with just family and come back and have a huge party!
"I've never wanted a big white wedding. More than happy with a lovely small one [red heart emoji]. We feel married anyway."
Now, in a poignant letter penned for Father's Day, and published in OK! Magazine, Gemma has unveiled what might be causing her hesitation to walk down the aisle.
Addressed to her late father David, who passed away at the young age of 52 following a heart attack, Gemma, now 40, wrote: "I'm getting married, Dad! One day, anyway. I think one of the reasons we've not done it yet is because of you. We've come close many times, but something stops me.
"I'm now the last Atkinson in the family line and if I give up my name, there's no more of us. I don't want to lose that remaining tie to you. Not having you walk me down the aisle... maybe I'll just stay engaged for a bit longer."
Emotionally, she revealed: "I think you'd be really happy with my choice of fiancé. You'd get such a kick out of Gorka being a professional dancer – you loved to dance – and I know you'd adore your grandchildren. Just like you adored me.
"I wish you'd got to meet him. There have been many times where he would have benefitted from your advice. You travelled so much for work and Gorka needs to be away a lot too. I remember when Mia was born, he had to leave for a tour when she was three days old.
"It broke his heart but I know you'd have helped him. I can hear your voice, saying, 'I get it pal, I had to do the same. You'll get through it.' I often feel sad that he never got to shake your hand. You only ever met my high school boyfriend. That's hard for me."
