Gemma Atkinson has shared a fresh update on her long-term relationship with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Márquez, giving fans a clearer picture of where the couple stand as they continue to balance parenthood, fame, and their ever-evolving careers.

The pair first met during the 2017 series of Strictly, where Gemma competed as a celebrity contestant and Gorka appeared as one of the show’s popular professionals. Although they were not partnered together on the dance floor, their chemistry blossomed behind the scenes. Shortly after the series wrapped, the couple confirmed they were officially dating—much to the delight of viewers who had long suspected a romance (BBC).

Over the past six years, Gemma and Gorka have become one of Strictly’s best-loved off-screen couples. They now share two children: daughter Mia, born in 2019, and son Thiago, welcomed in 2023. Fans regularly follow their family life through social media, where the couple offer humorous, candid glimpses into parenting and work-life balance (Hello! Magazine).

No Rush to Walk Down the Aisle

While many supporters have been eagerly waiting for a wedding announcement, the couple insist they are in no rush. Speaking to Heat magazine about their future plans, Gemma explained that marriage is definitely on the cards, but the logistics are proving a challenge.

“We will be getting married,” she confirmed. “We’re deciding whether to do it in England or Spain because we want to involve everyone as much as possible. But as Gorka said yesterday, the thought of planning a wedding — ugh!”

Gorka, 35, admitted he felt overwhelmed after watching his close friend navigate a complicated destination wedding. “One of my best friends is getting married in Italy in June,” he said. “Every day he was on the phone shouting in Italian, stressing about venues and details. I saw him going back and forth—literally flying to Italy for 24 hours—and I thought, ‘People keep asking when we’ll get married, but after seeing this? I’m happy like we are.’”

The professional dancer has long been vocal about preferring simplicity over spectacle, a sentiment fans have seen echoed in past interviews as well (The Independent).

A Low-Key Ceremony Might Be the Answer

Gemma, now 40, revealed she doesn’t dream of a traditional white wedding. “I don’t want a big fancy dress. I’d happily go to a little office somewhere, just the two of us, sign the papers, then have a party afterwards,” she said.

Gorka agreed wholeheartedly, joking that a minimalist celebration would suit him perfectly: “We’ll buy each other a ring, sign the paper, fold it up, give it to me — and there we go.”

Their relaxed attitude also reflects the reality of their busy lives. As Gemma explained earlier this year, both she and Gorka are juggling demanding schedules—something that makes wedding planning even more daunting.

Busy Careers, Long-Distance Challenges

The couple have spoken openly about the difficulties of spending long stretches apart due to work commitments. Gemma has shifted from her successful acting career on soaps like Hollyoaks and Emmerdale to presenting the drivetime programme on Hits Radio, a role she has embraced with enthusiasm (Radio Times).

Meanwhile, Gorka divides his time between the UK and Spain, performing on Strictly Come Dancing as well as the Spanish edition of the franchise, Bailando Con Las Estrellas. Despite the physical distance, the pair say that constant communication and shared priorities help keep their relationship solid.

In previous interviews, Gemma has emphasised that what matters most is stability for their children, adding that the couple feel “very much committed” regardless of whether they’ve formally tied the knot.

As their careers continue to thrive and their family grows, Gemma and Gorka remain united in taking life — and love — at their own pace.