Katie Piper, 35, danced with Gorka Marquez, 28, on Strictly Come Dancing last year and is still in contact with the star. Just months after the show ended, Gemma Atkinson, 34, and the professional dancer revealed they were expecting their first baby together. Now, the author has revealed what she learned from him and how it could help him in parenthood. Speaking to Express.co.uk at the British Podcast Awards, Katie said: “I learned when I worked with him he is very patient, so that’s a good quality for a dad.”
She also shared her thoughts on Gemma, adding: “I actually knew her before through a mutual friend, before she knew Gorka, she is really nice.”
On the topic of children, Katie said she isn’t going to have anymore with her husband Richard James Sutton, who she married in 2015.
The pair have two young daughters together; Penelope and Belle.
She added: “I think I’m really blessed to have two healthy children, so that’s enough.”
Elsewhere, Gemma has been keeping her fans up to date with her pregnancy on social media.
The radio host is believed to be due in mid July.
The couple have been spending time apart as Gorka continues his stint on the Strictly Come Dancing pro tour, as well as rehearsing for his Here Come The Boys show.
Taking to his Instagram earlier this month, Gorka shared an emotional post about their relationship and Gemma’s pregnancy.
In view of his 361,000 followers, Gorka told his followers how proud he is of Gemma and praised her for supporting him on his “s**t” days.
He said in a video: “So today I want to thank @glouiseatkinson for always supporting me, making me feel special and loved.
“It’s one of those days we all have when I feel like s**t,” he continued. “I’m tired from all the traveling and shows especially this last weekend, I only slept 5h last night and today, I had full day of rehearsals.
“My back in killing me I want to sleep, I’m hungry and I miss Gem,”(sic) he added, joking he was a “moody, grumpy man”.
“I’ve been moaning to her all day long like she doesn’t have enough already being pregnant and growing our baby inside of her, not sleeping properly for the past months being tired, sick, and with her kidney infections, and all the extra things that no one knows about but us,” he said.
Gorka went on to praise Gemma for “always supporting me, making me feel special and loved”.
Gemma responded to Gorka, replying: “Can’t always be there with each other. But will always be there for each other.
She then joked: “P.S. I’ll remind you of this post when I’m in labour breaking every bone in your hand.”