BBC Strictly's Gemma Atkinson addresses spending '15 weeks' away from Gorka

The fiancee of Strictly Come Dancing professional, Gorka Marquez, has shared details about the BBC shows demanding training schedule. Gemma Atkinson, who shares two children with the dancer, gave an update on how the much-loved show impacted her family as she shared Gorka could be away "for 15 weeks".

The 39-year-old mum of two admitted that she hadn't tuned in to the return of Strictly Come Dancing to watch her husband-to-be last night on BBC One. Posting to Instagram from her couch this afternoon, Gemma said into the camera: "I've just caught up on Strictly."

She explained why she didn't watch the launch show with the rest of the nation as she added: "I was at my niece's 21st birthday party last night, so I didn't get to watch the launch show with everyone else.

Hinting at Gorka's new dance partner, Gemma said: "But I obviously knew. I knew who Gorka had. I'm really excited.

"Punam is lovely. She's so nice. So yeah, it's real now. It's happening. Strictly has begun."

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In a later video, Gemma shared how Gorka's Strictly training would impact their family as they share children Thiago and Mia together. She explained that he was currently home with their kids, while she enjoyed a sauna on her rest day from the gym.

The former Hollyoaks star said: "Making the most of it while Gorka's with the kids because he will be off to bonny Scotland tomorrow. They'll be training in Scotland in the week and then obviously London at the weekend."

Gemma sighed heavily as she added: "So much for when we will see him. Hopefully in 15 weeks..." She crossed her fingers, before adding: "Let's get him to the final!"

Gemma Atkinson and her fiancé Gorka Marquez initially met competing on the 2017 edition of Strictly Come Dancing. Following the conclusion of the season, Gemma and Gorka announced their relationship on Valentine’s Day 2018 and welcomed their first child together in July 2019.

A new romance each series is no surprise according to ex professional Brendan Cole. “Romance happens in every series," he said.

"There’s always someone who falls for somebody, whether it’s two contestants, two pros or pro and contestant that fall in love. Thirty people are all working of close proximity to each other. You’re bound to find two people that find each other attractive.

“As we’ve seen from the last 22 years, only three couples have got married and the rest fizzled out with a big bang.”