Gemma Atkinson has been engaged to her Strictly Come Dancing co-star Gorka Marquez for over a year now, but the couple are yet to officially tie the knot
Gemma Atkinson has candidly shared the reason behind her hesitation to move her wedding plans forwards to fiancé Gorka Marquez.
Fans will know that the Hits Radio presenter and the professional dancer found love on the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor in 2017.
The smitten pair recently marked their seventh anniversary, having made their relationship public in early 2018 after participating in the BBC One dance competition.
Gemma and Gorka 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 'I do'. The last time Gemma was asked about her wedding plans was in March.
She invited her followers to ask her a question and she was promptly asked: "Will you be getting married soon?"
Sharing a nostalgic photo of herself and Gorka, Gemma replied: "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, Gemma has written a poignant letter penned for Father's Day to her late father David, who tragically passed away from a heart attack at 52 when she was just 17.
In OK! Magazine, the actress shared why the couple haven't rushed down the aisle.
She 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."
Speaking fondly of her future husband, Gemma believes her late father would have been a fan of her partner.
Continuing, she said: "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."
