Gorka Márquez and Gemma Atkinson Discuss Family Life on Their Podcast
Gorka Márquez and Gemma Atkinson, the couple who are parents to daughter Mia, six, and two-year-old son Thiago, recently shared insights into their family life on the latest episode of their podcast, Lost In Translation. The discussion covered a range of topics, including their approach to parenting, work commitments, and how they navigate their relationship.
During the episode, Gemma mentioned her desire to adopt another dog, despite Gorka’s objections. She explained that she had come across several dogs up for adoption while at a local fair with their children. Gorka responded by jokingly warning her not to use their kids to persuade him into getting another dog.
“Don’t try and use the kids to get another dog, you’re convincing them so I’m going to have to give in and get another dog, do not do that,” he said. Gemma replied with a playful “That’s the plan then,” to which Gorka added, “Get another dog, but I go 365 days [a year] on tour.”
The conversation took a more serious turn when Gorka thanked Gemma for being nice to him, prompting her to respond with a sharp remark. “What do you mean thank you for being nice to you? Like I am never nice to you?” she asked. Gorka laughed and clarified, “I am winding you up.”
Gemma then emphasized the importance of dispelling any narrative that she is unkind to Gorka. “You need to stop that narrative because people are going to be coming for me thinking I am snide to you. I am the kindest person to you, the things I do for you and us are in abundance my friend,” she said.
A Joint Decision to Leave Strictly Come Dancing
Earlier this month, the couple revealed that it was a joint decision for Gorka to step down from Strictly Come Dancing after ten years. Gorka announced his departure in April amid a series of changes to the show, which saw other popular dancers axed.
Gemma clarified that the decision was not solely hers, addressing fans who had commented on social media. “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,” she added.
Gorka had previously taken a short break from the show in 2025 when he joined the Spanish version, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, as a judge. This led to a scheduling conflict with Strictly Come Dancing, resulting in him appearing as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks before traveling to Spain for a month. He returned for the eleventh week of the BBC show.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Gorka and Gemma discussed how juggling his work in Spain with Strictly Come Dancing became too challenging. They decided to prioritise their family after talking to their daughter Mia. “When we were talking about it we did include Mia,” Gemma told listeners. “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.’”
Mia also spoke to Gemma’s mother, telling her, “me, mummy and papa have decided, this year he’s not going to be dancing on Strictly.”
Gemma also mentioned that their son Thiago had struggled with Gorka being away on tour more than they anticipated. “He has also ‘struggled with you being away on tour more than we thought,’” she added.
The couple continues to navigate the challenges of balancing their careers with family life, ensuring that their children feel supported and loved.
