Strictly Come Dancing's Gemma Atkinson she can't marry Gorka Marquez for heartbreaking reason

Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the heartbreaking reason she's yet to walk down the aisle with her Spanish partner, Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez, despite sharing two little ones, Mia and Thiago.

The former Emmerdale star penned an emotional tribute for Father's Day, addressing her beloved dad David, who died suddenly from a heart attack aged 52 when Gemma was just 17.

Now marking her 24th Father's Day without the man she thinks about 'every day', Gemma has partnered with palliative care charity Sue Ryder to reveal that the thought of marrying without her father present feels too painful to bear.

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."

The actress added: "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.", reports Wales Online.

"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 said: "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.

"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 professional and radio host admits she ensures her father's memory remains very much present within her young family.

She said: "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."

Back in January, Gorka offered an update regarding their wedding arrangements, reassuring supporters that he and Gemma will marry once little Thiago becomes more independent.

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? !".