British actress Gemma Atkinson has responded to the wave of online criticism she received after wearing a striking white lace gown to the Pride of Britain Awards 2025, where she appeared on the red carpet alongside her fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez. The couple, engaged since 2021, share two children and have often been admired for their down-to-earth relationship — but this time, Gemma’s choice of outfit unexpectedly became a point of controversy.

The 39-year-old former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star turned heads in a bridal-style fitted gown featuring a lace train, sparking rumours that the pair might have secretly tied the knot. However, instead of celebration, the moment drew criticism from a small group of social-media users who accused Gemma of wearing a “wedding dress” to steal attention from the evening’s honourees.

On the latest episode of her joint podcast with Gorka, Lost in Translation, Gemma openly addressed the backlash, admitting she was “baffled” by the claims. “My stylist Ryan got me a lovely dress — it was all white, fitted at the top, with lace details at the bottom,” she explained. “And then a few people messaged me saying I’d purposely planned to wear a wedding gown to grab attention from the nominees. I mean, imagine me having that in my mind.”

Gorka, ever the supportive partner, jokingly teased her before defending her outright. “Yeah, that sounds exactly like you,” he said sarcastically. “Three months ago you were probably plotting how to steal the spotlight!” He later clarified that the couple hadn’t even made any red-carpet appearances that evening: “We got there late. We didn’t do any interviews or photos — we literally arrived in the last ten minutes just to go straight inside.”

Gemma chimed in with a laugh, recalling the chaos of the night: “It was raining, and I nearly slipped walking in — that’s how much preparation went into it!”

The actress went on to say that people’s assumptions about her wearing a “bridal dress” were not only incorrect but ironic, given her actual taste in wedding attire. “I was my sister’s chief bridesmaid, and I wore a trouser suit,” she noted. “If I were getting married, I wouldn’t wear a big white gown like that.”

Gorka playfully interrupted, adding: “You’ll probably be wearing trackies on our wedding day!” Gemma agreed with a laugh, saying her real wedding outfit would be “the complete opposite” of the one she wore that night.

Curious, Gorka asked what kind of dress she envisions for their eventual big day. Gemma revealed a surprising yet modern vision: “I like the idea of a fitted lace bodysuit with trousers and maybe a small skirt at the back — something elegant but comfortable.”

The professional dancer seemed amused and slightly confused. “Fitted trousers? For a wedding?” he asked, prompting Gemma to reassure him: “Honestly, it looks beautiful — I’ll show you a picture. I know it’s not traditional, but I’d rather wear something I feel good in.”

Gemma elaborated that comfort and practicality would come first: “I wouldn’t wear a huge gown all day — they’re heavy, they’re awkward, and after a few hours, you just want to sit down. For me, that’s not what a wedding should feel like.”

Earlier this year, Gorka spoke about their wedding plans during a separate interview, revealing that the couple are intentionally waiting until their youngest child, Thiago, becomes more independent before walking down the aisle. They also share a daughter, Mia, who is now in school. “We will get married, just not right now,” Gorka said at the time. “We’re in no rush. We’re happy as we are, especially with two little ones.”

He continued: “Thiago’s still very young, and we don’t want to plan a wedding where halfway through the ceremony he starts crying for his mum. We want the day to be about us — not worrying about nap times or bottles.”

Despite the social-media chatter, fans flooded Gemma’s page with supportive comments, praising her for maintaining humour and grace in response to the criticism. Many admired her refusal to let negativity dampen what she called “a lovely night celebrating inspiring people.”

As the couple continue to focus on family life, both Gemma and Gorka have made it clear that their wedding will happen “in their own time.” Whether it’s a relaxed ceremony or one that breaks fashion norms, one thing seems certain — they’ll do it their way.