Gemma Atkinson didn't force Gorka Marquez to make career decision
Gemma Atkinson has explained what prompted Gorka Marquez to quit Strictly Come Dancing.
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez made a joint decision that he would quit Strictly Come Dancing.
The 35-year-old dancer recently announced that he was walking away from Strictly Come Dancing, the hit BBC show, and Gemma has now opened up about their decision-making process.
Speaking on their Lost In Translation podcast, Gemma shared: "It wasn't my decision which I'd like to point out for everybody who messaged me on Instagram saying, 'you've finally got what you want now'.
"Absolutely not, it was a nice break from you when you were doing it."
Gorka appeared as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, in 2025. And the dancer - who has Mia, six, and Thiago, two, with Gemma - ultimately decided to prioritise his family life over his career.
Gemma, 41 - who starred on Hollyoaks during her younger years - said: "When we were talking about it, we did include Mia. We said to Mia, 'what would you rather papa do? Would you rather he work in Spain at weekends or work in England during Strictly?'
"She said, 'Well, I do love watching him dance, but I love having him home more'. And we were like, 'Right, signed, sealed, delivered.'
"She said to my mum, 'me, mummy and papa have decided, this year he's not going to be dancing on Strictly'."
Meanwhile, Gemma recently revealed that she has no intention of marrying Gorka.
The soap star and Gorka have been together since 2018 and have been engaged since 2021 - but they still don't plan to walk down the aisle together.
Gemma said on their Lost In Translation podcast: "I ain't getting married to him. No chance."
Gorka agreed with the soap star's statement, adding: "I don't think I want to get married."
Gemma - who first found fame on Hollyoaks and dated sports star Cristiano Ronaldo during her younger years - admitted that she's slightly scarred by some of the experiences of her friends and family.
The TV star said: "Everyone I know who has got married has ended up getting divorced, apart from my sister."
