Bury TV and radio star Gemma Atkinson admits she ‘always went for bad boys’ until she gave a ‘nice lad’ a chance, which changed everything.

The mum of two told The Sun that her fiancé Gorka Marquez – a Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer – would have ended up in her life ‘even without Strictly’.

Before she met Gorka, she did not know that they actually had mutual friends in the fitness industry, and that they worked for some of the same brands in the past.

Gemma, president of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield, said: “I think we always would have crossed paths.

“I was always going for the bad boys.

Bury Times: Gemma and Gorka with their two children“As soon as you give a nice lad a chance, you realise you don’t have to be constantly wondering where you stand.

“Gorka opened my eyes to what a relationship should be like.”

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Gemma met Gorka on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, and the couple got engaged in February 2021.

She added: “I mean, I’m still obsessed with John Rambo and Rocky Balboa.

“Rambo still looks good to me.

 

“But I’m past that stage of life where I like the bad boy.

“I’m not bothered about the Strictly curse at all.”

The former Hollyoaks actress recently launched her new children’s book "Dogs Don’t Dance" about building confidence.

The main characters Dusty and Dave go on an adventure together overcoming emotions, making new friends and memories along the way.

As well as a wonderful story, the book also includes a small section at the back where children can learn to dance like the main character.

The former Castlebrook High School pupil has also signed up for a second series of Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens. 

In a statement, they said: "We’re excited to be back on your screens with W for our second series. The messages we received, and are still receiving from the first series, have blown us away. We’re glad so many families can relate to ours and the crazy, wonderful, and exhausting world of parenthood!”

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