gemma atkinson gorka tears

Gemma Atkinson wells up live on-air after Gorka Marquez's emotional surprise

The couple met on Strictly back in 2017

Deputy Online Editor
October 5, 2020

Gemma Atkinson was in for quite the treat when Steph McGovern treated her to a surprise message from her boyfriend and Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez.

Exclusive: Gemma Atkinson on the challenges of bringing up baby Mia

On Monday's episode of Steph's Packed Lunch, the soap star-turned-presenter was overcome with emotion when she saw her partner's face pop up on-screen.

The professional dancer, who has left Gemma and their daughter Mia in Manchester for the next few months due to his commitments on Strictly back in London, said: "Hello baby, I hope you are having a great show. I just wanted to surprise you and say that I am so proud of you and everything that you do.

WATCH: Gemma Atkinson tears up after surprise from boyfriend Gorka - and it's emotional!

"You're a super mum, taking care of Mia for all these weeks - doing your radio show and now doing Steph's Packed Lunch - just want to tell you that I love you and I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to be back with you."

MORE: Gemma Atkinson reveals heartache after missing Gorka's milestone birthday

GALLERY: 7 heartwarming photos of celebrity dads kissing their children

After watching the clip, a teary-eyed Gemma remarked: "I'm getting a little teary-eyed – bless him! Since I've had a baby, I cry at everything!"

The 35-year-old star met Gorka on the set of Strictly back in 2017, but the pair kept their romance under wraps until the series ended. Unusually for the show's love stories, they weren't dancing partners - Gemma was coupled with Aljaz and Gorka danced with Alexandra Burke.

© Photo: Channel 4

Gorka almost left Gemma in tears on Monday

There's no denying that two years on, the gorgeous couple - who welcomed daughter Mia on 4 July 2019 - are still going strong. Last month, when Gorka first left for his dance rehearsals, Gemma revealed just how much she was missing her beau.

RELATED: Inside Gemma and Gorka's former home in Manchester

"Missing Gorks so much (and also missing his turns getting up in the night with Mia) @gorka_marquez," she joked on Instagram, to which her boyfriend replied: "Miss you more!!!"

© Photo: Instagram

The couple share baby Mia together

Last week the couple were briefly reunited and were given the change to finally move into their new home together. The couple bought their "dream home" earlier this year, but their move was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Gemma previously telling HELLO! that they had been "living out of cardboard boxes" during the lockdown.

"We finally did it though! New house, new neighbours to meet, new local shops to explore and new memories to make," said Gemma. "Mia seems to be settling nicely too which was a concern, but all good!"

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