Strictly Come Dancing's Gemma Atkinson's heartbreaking reason for not marrying Gorka Marquez

Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson with their children(Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)

Gemma Atkinson has candidly discussed why she hasn't yet tied the knot with her Spanish fiancé, Strictly professional dancer Gorka Marquez, with whom she has two children, Mia and Thiago.

In a heartfelt open letter penned to commemorate Father's Day, she addressed her dearly missed father David, who tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of 52 when Gemma, now xx, was only 17.

As she observes her 24th Father's Day without the man she remembers 'every day', Gemma, in support of the palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder, confesses the prospect of getting married without him there is almost unbearable - his painful absence being one of the reasons she hasn't wed yet.

She said: "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.

Gemma Atkinson as a toddler in dad's arms(Image: SUPPLIED)

"Not having you walk me down the aisle... maybe I'll just stay engaged for a bit longer. Speaking about her future spouse, Gemma poignantly expressed that she believes her late father would have been a huge fan of him and their two lovely children - children who, she sadly reflects, he will never get to meet.

"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.

She added: "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, reports the Mirror.

Gorka and Gemma share two children, Mia, five and Thiago, two(Image: Instagram/Gorka Marquez)

"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."

The former Strictly star and radio presenter confesses she keeps her father's memory very much alive within her small family.

"I talk to Thiago and Mia about you all the time. They call you GanGan David. We've got a picture of you in the house and Mia thinks GanGan David lives on the moon and you can't get out. She always asks us how we can rescue you. When our dogs died it was devastating, but Mia took comfort in the fact you were looking after them somewhere. I really believe you are."

In January, Gorka provided an update on their wedding plans, assuring fans that he and Gemma will tie the knot when little Thiago is more self-sufficient.

He explained: "We will do it, it's just not at the moment. We are very good like this, especially with having the kids. Thiago is not independent yet so we don't want to go into the wedding and be carrying him or halfway through the wedding he starts screaming that he only wants mummy, you know? !".