Gemma Atkinson has revealed how cruel body shamers targeted her after the birth of her second child.
The former Hollyoaks star, 40, shares daughter Mia, five, and son Thiago, 17 months, with Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez. And she has admitted people questioned her physique following the birth of Thiago.
However, despite the trolling, Gemma confirms she has a special way to get back to them. She said: "'A few people messaged and said, "I thought you'd be in shape quicker; you're so into your training; I'm surprised it's taken you 10 months. My mum used to say – well, she still says to me – if someone doesn't know you personally, why would you take what they say personally?"
She continued to tell Women's Health UK, in which she was this week's cover star in a red bikini: "Even if someone says something lovely, it's so nice, but you can't take it on board because you walk around with a swollen head."
Her cover shoot saw Gemma don a stunning one shoulder swimsuit with a cut out midriff. She also posed in a black sports bra combo with a yellow and white jacket draped over her shoulder for another shot. In a third look, Gemma wore white sportswear paired with a colourful jacket as she held a large white medicine ball to the side.
Gemma recently revealed she doesn't expect to add to her family as she starts planning her wedding day with Gorka. The couple, who got engaged three years ago, are happy with two children and Gemma joked "shop is shut".
Speaking to Closer magazine, she said: "I think it's lovely because we've got a little boy and a little girl." She went on to share that having three children would provide a "lovely dynamic" but said she "wouldn't be able to cope" as Gorka works away "a lot", meaning she would be on her own with the kids regularly. She teased that it would "be a nightmare" with three kids and said they're "really lucky" as they are.
Speaking of any impending wedding, Gemma admitted their previous plans fell through after she fell pregnant with Thiago. She said they could tie the knot next year after being "engaged for years now". However, she admitted they aren't in a rush and will marry when the time is right. She also revealed their big day doesn't have to be a "big fuss" and said the couple had even looked at a few registry offices in which to exchange their nuptials.
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