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Strictly Come Dancing's Gemma Atkinson shares poignant reason for not marrying Gorka Marquez

Gemma Atkinson has candidly opened up about her late father and how his absence has impacted her decision to marry her fiance, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez

[Gemma and Gorka]

Gemma and Gorka first met on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the heartbreaking reason she's yet to walk down the aisle with her Spanish partner, Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez, despite sharing two little ones, Mia and Thiago. The former Hollyoaks star previously penned an emotional tribute addressing her beloved dad David, who died suddenly from a heart attack aged 52 when Gemma was just 17.

She said: "I'm getting married, Dad! One day, anyway. I think one of the reasons we've not done it yet is because of you. We've come close many times, but something stops me. I'm now the last Atkinson in the family line and if I give up my name, there's no more of us. I don't want to lose that remaining tie to you."

The actress added: "Not having you walk me down the aisle... maybe I'll just stay engaged for a bit longer.

Speaking about her future spouse, Gemma poignantly expressed that she believes her late father would have been a huge fan of him and their two lovely children - children who, she sadly reflects, he will never get to meet.

"I think you'd be really happy with my choice of fiance. You'd get such a kick out of Gorka being a professional dancer you loved to dance and I know you'd adore your grandchildren. Just like you adored me," reports Wales Online.

[Gemma Atkinson as a toddler in dad's arms]

Gemma lost her dad David when she was just 17(Image: SUPPLIED)

She continued: "I wish you'd got to meet him. There have been many times where he would have benefitted from your advice. You travelled so much for work and Gorka needs to be away a lot too.

"I remember when Mia was born, he had to leave for a tour when she was three days old. It broke his heart but I know you'd have helped him. I can hear your voice, saying, "I get it pal, I had to do the same. You'll get through it.

"I often feel sad that he never got to shake your hand. You only ever met my high school boyfriend. That's hard for me."

The former Strictly star and radio host admits she ensures her father's memory remains very much present in her young family's life.

"I talk to Thiago and Mia about you all the time. They call you GanGan David.

"We've got a picture of you in the house and Mia thinks GanGan David lives on the moon and you can't get out. She always asks us how we can rescue you. When our dogs died it was devastating, but Mia took comfort in the fact you were looking after them somewhere. I really believe you are."

[Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson with their children]

Gorka and Gemma share two children(Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)

Back in January, Gorka offered an update regarding their nuptial arrangements, reassuring supporters that he and Gemma will marry once little Thiago becomes more independent.

He clarified: "We will do it, it's just not at the moment. We are very good like this, especially with having the kids. Thiago is not independent yet so we don't want to go into the wedding and be carrying him or halfway through the wedding he starts screaming that he only wants mummy, you know?!".

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