3 days Ago By [email protected] (Jessica Sansome)
Gemma Atkinson has been praised for her sweet - but funny - response to Gorka Marquez's honest admission as he made his return to Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer is now the longest-serving male professional dancer on the BBC One dance show as he was seen back in the ballroom at the start of the 2024 series on Saturday (September 14). During the first episode of the series, Strictly fans got to see which of the 15 celebrities got paired with which talented pro dancer, including Gorka who was delighted to be paired with Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan.
READ MORE: Gorka Marquez shares crying selfie after Strictly Come Dancing return as he feels 'sadness and guilt Dr Punam, who is a practising GP and broadcaster as the resident GP on BBC's Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland, said of being paried with Gorka: "Oh I'm absolutely buzzing. I think we are the perfect pairing. I feel honoured, because you've got so many years of experience.
" She added: "I can't wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland," to which Gorka said: "I can’t wait to go to Scotland, I love Glasgow...
and I love haggis!" But while he is excited for his new adventure, Gorka took to social media to admit it's also difficult as he faces time away from his family - fiancee Gemma Atkinson and their two children, Mia and Thiago. On Sunday (September 15), he shared a crying selfie and also posted a lengthy typed-out message, which read: "Sometimes I feel like on here all we share are happy things, or things that can make others go, 'wow, look at him/her..
. How amazing'. Maybe scared to show other side of us, more vulnerable, but that is part of us.
So...
here is me, having a moment of those that sometimes we hide or keep for ourselves, especially being a man. "I feel like today should be one of those days where everyone might think all is happiness, joy, excitement for all what is about to start with Strictly..
. And YES it is. But at the same time I get a feeling of sadness, guilt, for going away for however long it is.
A feeling of letting them down for not being there, a sense of failure to them...
" Gorka shared the emotional snap (Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram) The dad-of-two emotionally continued: "But at the same time I know I do it for them and know how much joy it brings them and I know how excited and proud they are when they watch me. And yes it makes it all worth it but I still feel like this at times..
. I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and thanks for letting me share it with you all." Captioning the post, Gorka wrote: "Just one of those moments," and Gemma was quick to respond.
The Hits Radio host commented: "I'm just gutted you’ve packed all your decent hoodies! wtf am I supposed to wear? [crying laughing emoji]." She then emotionally added: "We Love you and cannot wait to see you do your thing! Mia’s already given me 'Saturday night instructions'. You keep that record of the most 10s going with Dr Punam! We’ll be right here at the finish line!" And fans were quick to praise her response.
@herbiesgirl07 said: "@gorka_marquez with this reply @glouiseatkinson is definitely a keeper." @mummybucky commented: "@glouiseatkinson and now I'm crying! That's support right there!" @4evermiska shared: "@glouiseatkinson See Gorka @gorka_marquez how much your family loves you and how proud they are of you. You could have left one hoodie for @glouiseatkinson.
Much love to the entire family from Finland." @paulaevans6557 added: "@glouiseatkinson Ha!!!! Only you. It’s so lovely for you to share this @gorka_marquez this post just makes you a very caring family man and also makes you human.
".
