Gemma Atkinson, the beloved actress and radio presenter, has candidly addressed the persistent question surrounding her prolonged engagement to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Gorka Marquez. Despite sharing two beautiful children, Mia and Thiago, the couple has yet to formalize their union, a decision Gemma has now revealed stems from a deeply personal and emotionally resonant reason, extending far beyond typical celebrity wedding delays.
At the heart of Gemma’s decision lies the profound absence of her cherished late father, David. He tragically passed away at the age of 52 when Gemma was merely 17, leaving an indelible mark on her life. The thought of celebrating one of life’s most significant milestones without him physically present to walk her down the aisle is, for her, an emotionally insurmountable hurdle, shaping her reluctance to set a definitive wedding date.
Her poignant revelation was shared within a heartfelt open letter penned for Father’s Day, directed to the man she profoundly misses “every day.” In this moving tribute, Gemma, a staunch supporter of palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder, articulated the raw grief that continues to influence her major life choices, making the idea of a traditional wedding ceremony particularly challenging.
A significant aspect of her hesitation also revolves around her family legacy. As the last Atkinson in her direct line, Gemma shared her deep-seated fear that relinquishing her maiden name upon marriage would sever a crucial tie to her father. This powerful emotional connection underscores her decision to remain engaged for the foreseeable future, preserving this vital link to her past.
Despite the delay, Gemma holds immense admiration for her fiancé, Gorka Marquez, and often reflects on how her father would have embraced him. She believes her dad, who had a passion for dance, would have found immense joy in Gorka’s profession and would have absolutely adored his grandchildren, mirroring the deep affection he held for Gemma herself, solidifying their Family Life.
Gemma frequently ensures that her father’s enduring legacy remains a central pillar in the daily life of her young family. She often draws parallels between her father’s demanding work-related travels and Gorka Marquez’s extensive commitments with Strictly Come Dancing, reinforcing the continuous influence her dad has on her perspective and choices within their family unit.
Gorka Marquez has also previously acknowledged their extended engagement, reassuring supporters that a wedding will eventually take place once their youngest child, Thiago, achieves greater independence. This collective understanding highlights the couple’s shared commitment to their Family Life and their journey toward their Celebrity Weddings.
Ultimately, Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez’s decision to postpone their marriage is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the profound impact of Bereavement. Their story transcends typical celebrity narratives, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the complexities of love, loss, and commitment, demonstrating that some unions are defined by far more than just a date on a calendar.
