Gemma Atkinson, who first shot to fame in Hollyoaks over 20 years ago and has since enjoyed a varied career including stints on Strictly Come Dancing and as a presenter on Hits Radio, is now relishing her most fulfilling role yet - being a mum. The 39 year old shares two children, Mia, five, and Thiago, one, with her fiance Gorka Marquez, whom she met while competing on Strictly in 2017.
With the recent return of the popular BBC dance show, professional dancer Gorka is spending time away from home for training, which Gemma confesses can be challenging at times. Talking to New magazine, Gemma has opened up about family life, her bustling career, and everything else in between.
Autumn is officially with us and Strictly back on our screens, and it sounds like Gemma made the most of having her fiance at home with her and their little ones, before the BBC show lured him away.
"We had a really good summer", she told the publication. "Gorka is always off in June and July so we make sure we have quality time during those months. We just like to be at home. There's nothing better for us than having at least a week at home where everything's done and we don't need to leave the house. We can just be in the house, in the garden, in the gym, all four of us for us. It's bliss."
When the Spanish pro is away, says Gemma, it can be tough - though she tries to convince him that she's got everything under control, and to enjoy his few months on the show.
"Gorka is a huge fan of Strictly and every year he's buzzing with excitement about it, we all are. But then, each year he also realises that he has to be away from home and wherever his [celebrity] partner is based, he has to go to them. Before we had children it wasn't an issue, but when you have kids, your perspective changes.
"Mia will ask, "But why do you have to go, Papa? " and I think it makes him feel guilty. But in the grand scheme of things, we're so lucky we can travel. I'm constantly reassuring Gorka and saying, "I've got this, don't worry," then when he goes, I'm like, "Oh gosh, I need help," but at least he drives off in a good mood!"
Juggling work and the kids can't be easy, but Gemma maintains she has a good support system at home - most crucially, her parents, who are both retired and can help out when needed. "They live literally 10 minutes up the road. But without them, I wouldn't be able to do it", confesses Gemma.
"Well, I would, but I'd need a nanny, which I wouldn't do, I'd probably just cut back on my work. I don't have anything against childcare but I just worry when my kids aren't with me or my family. I also prepare I know this time of year is going to be extra tough so I get really organised with meal preps for the week and things like that."
Gemma famously met Gorka during her own stint on Strictly in 2017. Speaking of how love blossomed between them, she says it was only once they were on tour that they truly 'clicked'.
"During the show, our training was so intense that we only caught glimpses of each other during the live Saturdays. However, it was the tour magic that really brought us together long bus rides and endless conversations. I remember sitting with him on the way to Cardiff, thinking, "Oh my gosh."
"Sure, I always had a bit of a crush on him, but that journey marked the moment we truly clicked. After the tour wrapped, we found ourselves missing each other, and things just blossomed from there.
Looking back, she admits, Strictly was an 'extraordinary' chapter in her life, and Aljaz [Skorjanec], her dance partner, played his part in bringing her and Gorka together: "He played his role to perfection, nudging me towards Gorka with cheeky Saturday quips, like "Have you seen Gorka yet?"
Nowadays, the couple are engaged with two beautiful children together. But are there any plans to tie the knot? As Gemma confesses, she is in no rush to walk down the aisle - and doesn't believe a marriage certificate will change anything.
"Honestly, we've scouted some registry offices and even toyed with the idea of a destination ceremony. But right now, we're just soaking up this period of engagement without any fuss. We might wait until our little Thiago doesn't need us quite as much. We're not racing down the aisle; we're content as we are marriage is only a piece of paper after all. It won't redefine the love we share."
Another big passion in her life, apart from her little family, is fitness - and Gemma often shares glimpses her fitness regime on social media.
"It's become part of who I am", she admits. "Currently, I'm following a training programme designed by my friend Elliott Upton, who specialises in workouts for the perimenopause and menopause. As I'm turning 40 in a few months, I'm not in the perimenopause stage yet, but it could happen in the next few years.
"So, I'm trying to prepare myself for that phase. This week, I joked about how we have the menstrual cycle, the menopause, and mental breakdowns all starting with the word "men". Surely, that can't be a coincidence!
She adds: "I always say that movement is my medicine. Personally, I don't think there's anything better than exercise to feel good. I wake up at 4:30am, two hours before my kids, which gives me time to work out and take a peaceful shower. It feels like I've had a substantial amount of "me" time before I switch to mum mode."
Speaking of which, radio DJ Gemma also found the time recently to host the Disney On Ice podcast - something which she loved, having been a Disney fan 'since childhood'.
"And now my kids love it, too. I took Mia to see Disney On Ice and was blown away. So when the opportunity to host this podcast came up, I grabbed it. It seemed like a fantastic way to reveal what happens behind the scenes of the show.
"The podcast also includes lots of Disney trivia, which is great for road trips or the school run. It's all about keeping the kids' minds active. Gorka once said to me,"They do what I do but while skating on ice." It's such a talent and truly inspiring for children.