Former Hollyoaks actress and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Gemma Atkinson, 36, has taken to Instagram to address her fiancé Gorka Marquez, 31, and Katie McGlynn’s elimination from the BBC dance competition. Gorka and soap star Katie left the show last night after losing out in the dance-off to Judi Love and Graziano Di Prima.
The pair’s final dance was the American Smooth, which they performed dressed as Cruella De Vil and Pongo in honour of Strictly’s Movie Week.
Despite impressing the judges with her characterisation, the panel decided Judi’s performance was better in the dance-off.
Following Gorka and Katie’s departure, Gemma gushed over the duo and highlighted their achievements despite having “practically no rehearsal time”.
It comes after Katie opened up on balancing her Strictly training with her demanding filming schedule for Hollyoaks, in which she plays Becky Quentin.
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“You came to this Show without any dance experience but you were willing to give your best to learn and improve everyday.
“You didn’t have the easiest ride but always came with a smile and giving 100% to everything I asked you to do in the rehearsals room, you always trusted me and believed in my work and for that, I thank you.
“Thanks for all the laughs and funny memories we shared over the last few weeks. If there was something we did all the time it was that…laughing.”
Gorka went on to sweetly share that his and Gemma’s baby daughter Mia is also a big fan of Katie.
The professional dancer added: “Today is the end of our Dance journey but not our friendship one (sorry you wont be able to get rid of me and Mia is still asking for you!)
“THANK YOU ONE MORE TIME.
“I am so PROUD of you,” alongside a red love heart emoji.
Replying to her partner’s heartfelt post, Katie wrote in the comments section: “Thank you for everything Gorks!
“I wouldn’t have it any other way it’s been an absolute blast x.”