So much has been written S about the Strictly 'curse' that it's easy to forget that some of the romances formed on the show weren't actually the result of a dramatic relationship break-up.
The love story between former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson and professional dancer Gorka Márquez is a case in point, and five years after falling for each other on the show, their relationship is still going strong. They now have two children and are engaged to be married.
And despite subsequent rumours they've been going through a "rough patch" because of Gorka's hefty time away due to work commitments, when we chat to the pair, Gemma tells us that while she misses Gorka when they're apart, his absence "keeps the spark alive".
Although the couple weren't dance partners when they first met on Strictly in 2017, they admitted that after clocking each other in rehearsals, they knew they fancied each other. Gorka, 33, said he immediately thought Gemma, 39, was "hot" and fortunately for him, the feeling was mutual, with Gemma going home that evening and texting her friend, "I'm gonna pipe the Spanish one!"
The pair, who live together in Manchester, are now parents to Mia, four, and seven-month-old Thiago, and last year recorded their own reality show Gemma & Gorka: Life Behind The Lens which aired on W Channel. Gorka is currently working in Madrid, where he is a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly.
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 05, 2024-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'IT'S THERAPY ON ANOTHER LEVEL'
Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe opens up on how the emotional storyline of her character Mercedes going through bowel cancer is helping her deal with losing her father to the same cruel disease
Teacher used school funds to pay hitman to kill his pregnant lover
When Jocelyn Peters bought potatoes, she didn't know one would be used to help murder her
'We held a joint funeral for my husband and my baby son'
Rhian Mannings, 47, tragically lost her son George at just one year old, and five days later her husband Paul was dead too
'I'd like to get married and so would Roger'
My Mum, Your Dad lovebirds, Roger and Janey, tell new about their 'lucky' connection and plans for the future
'You forget you're on TV, so it's very raw'
Celebs Go Dating's Chris Taylor and Tristan Phipps reveal why the experts' advice made them so emotional
Meghan 'hopes for new start with Kate'
Following the Princess of Wales' poignant cancer update, the Duchess of Sussex is reportedly ready for a reconciliation
Will Cat stay at This Morning?
Cat Deeley has faced criticism since joining the ITV daytime show, and a source tells new she wouldn't hesitate about quitting
'This is the best present could give my mum'
TOWIE favourite Gemma Collins solves a family mystery – and also discovers a surprising link to Jack The Ripper
Alison 'couldn't be happier'
Presenter Alison Hammond is loved-up and looking fabulous, and is more content than she's ever been, a source tells new
Molly set to 'make millions'
She's \"still hurting\" following her split from Tommy Fury, but Molly-Mae Hague is said to be looking to the future with an exciting new venture