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Gemma Atkinson Opens Up About Gorka Marquez’s ‘Strictly’ Schedule Impact on Family Life
Actress Gemma Atkinson has openly shared the difficulties of balancing family life with partner Gorka Marquez’s demanding schedule during the Strictly Come Dancing season. The couple, raising daughter Mia, 5, and son Thiago, 17 months, contend with Marquez’s extensive commitments to the popular BBC program.
‘He’s Never Here’: Gemma Atkinson on Gorka’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Commitments
Atkinson, who has been in a relationship with the 34-year-old professional dancer for eight years, discussed the intensity of Marquez’s work life for a significant portion of the year during a recent appearance on the Parenting Hell podcast. She frankly stated, “He’s never here. It’s Strictly from July to December. If the dancers are assigned a partner, they are situated where their partner resides during the week, typically London on weekends.”
Location Matters More Than ‘Strictly Curse’, Jokes Atkinson
During the same Parenting Hell podcast appearance, the 40-year-old radio presenter and former soap opera personality revealed a surprising perspective on the rumored “Strictly curse.”
Dismissing concerns about the so-called curse, Atkinson disclosed that her primary concern revolves around the geographical location of Marquez’s dance partner. Expressing a preference for proximity, she explained, “Every time the celebrity line-up is announced, the only thing I do is Google where they live. If they are based in Manchester, I’m pleased.”
Gorka Marquez Acknowledges Work-Life Balance Struggle
In a recent interview, Marquez himself admitted the challenges of juggling his dance career with his responsibilities at home, confessing, “Let’s be honest, it’s not easy.” He elaborated, “It’s about prioritising effectively. In my twenties, my focus was solely on myself. Life was simpler then, with fewer worries beyond personal concerns.”
“However,” he continued, “when you have a partner and children, the perspective shifts. Work is important, but I differentiate between living to work and working to live.”
Prioritizing Family Time
Marquez further emphasized the importance of family, stating, “Now, my work serves the purpose of enabling a good life with my family and children. Time is finite and precious, especially as children grow rapidly. It’s crucial to make judicious choices.”
He added that he sometimes declines appealing professional opportunities, carefully evaluating whether the duration of separation from his children is justified.
Marquez explained his desire to be present for significant developmental milestones, concluding, “You can always find another job or earn money elsewhere. Quality time and family moments are invaluable.”
Family First: Marquez Prioritizes Time with Children
The professional dancer underscored his commitment to placing family ahead of work, asserting, “I am declining certain opportunities because, however attractive they may be, it’s essential to assess if the extended absence from my children and the family is truly worthwhile, considering the irreplaceable moments missed.”
Atkinson and Marquez’s relationship began after they met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, a year after Marquez joined the program. They officially announced their relationship on Valentine’s Day in 2018.