Gemma Atkinson has revealed the truth about backstage tension Strictly Come Dancing.
It was claimed earlier this month that Gemma’s apparent closeness with pro dancer Gorka Marquez was causing drama behind the scenes.
According to more tabloid rumours, Gorka’s celeb partner Alexandra Burke isn’t happy with him spending time with Gemma, who is partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec.
“Gorka is a professional and he is not giving up any of his rehearsal time with Alex to see Gemma,” a source told The Sun. “Their romance doesn’t seem to distract him at all.
“But it is a sore point for Alex, who wishes she — and their dancing — was his sole focus. It really irritates her to see him flirting with Gemma.”
Now Gemma has spoken out to dismiss all the allegations.
“I think people love to hear that contestants or pros are falling out because they love a little bit of drama. But unfortunately there isn’t any,” Gemma insisted. “There’s no animosity between anyone. We all message each other in the week on WhatsApp and send each other funny pictures and videos.”
Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, she continued: “We’re all so focused on our dances that we haven’t got time to fall out. Gorka’s priority on the show is getting Alexandra through week by week, the same thing Aljaz has.
“My focus is pleasing Aljaz, it’s the same for every couple.”
“There’s no truth to any reports about any of us falling out,” she added to The Sun newspaper. “I think because we all get on, people have to create drama. I know people want to see a Strictly romance but I’m not going to be giving you any, I’m afraid, because I’m so focused on my dancing.
Gorka previously downplayed any potential romance with Gemma, insisting that they’re nothing more than friends.
“We hang out together and do some workouts and I think she is beautiful,” said Gorka last weekend. “But we are just friends.”
However Gemma did admit there was the potential for a relationship once the series was over: “I think he’s absolutely brilliant and we are getting to know each other, but for now the main focus is dancing.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2017 continues Saturday on BBC One with the latest results show on Sunday from 7:15PM.
