Gemma Atkinson defends Gorka Marquez over Strictly ‘plea’ claims

Gemma Atkinson has stuck up for boyfriend Gorka Marquez over claims about this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

A tabloid report out this weekend had claimed that Gorka had ‘pleaded’ with show bosses to partner him with a Northern-based celeb.

As part of his role on the show, pro dancer Gorka will be required to move to wherever his celebrity partner is based.

It was alleged that Gorka didn’t want to move away from Gemma, who is expecting the couple’s first child in the coming months.

But Gemma took to her social media to declare: “100% not true! Gorks is a professional and will go wherever he is needed to do his job!”

She added: “I never normally justify anything to s****y online articles but when it comes to my partner and his career or my baby I will.

“The sooner people stop believing everything they read the better.”

Gemma and Gorka met after dancing on 2017’s Strictly series, albeit with separate partners.

Gemma performed with pro Aljaž Škorjanec while Gorka was partnered with Gemma’s fellow celebrity contestant Alexandra Burke.

During the show there were rumours of a romance between the pair, and they confirmed on Valentine’s Day last year it was official.

Now their first child is on the way, with Gemma announcing via her social media earlier in 2019: “Myself & Gorks are beyond excited and happy and feel incredibly blessed to be meeting our new family member later this year.

“Baby Marquez!!! We love you loads already @gorka_marquez”

She added: “Thank you all so much for your lovely messages. We’re so excited for this journey ahead and feel very lucky and very much in love. Thank you. :)”

Gorka shared: “Thank you for the greatest gift in life. Myself and Gem are beyond thrilled to be welcoming our new family member later this year!”

Meanwhile, the Strictly professionals on 2019’s line up were confirmed at the start of this year.

This year’s women on the Strictly pro cast are Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Janette Manrara, Karen Clifton, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk and Nadiya Bychkova.

Alongside Gorka, the male pros joining them are are Aljaž Škorjanec, Anton Du Beke, Giovanni Pernice, Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe.

Pasha Kovalev won’t be returning having decided to quit after 8 years.

Strictly Come Dancing typically begins in September on BBC One.