Gemma Atkinson has shared a message after fiancé Gorka Marquez was paired with Helen Skelton on BBC Strictly Come Dancing. The competition returned to BBC One on Friday (September 23) - and the 15 celebrity contestants discovered their professional dance partners.
A ballroom performance from the professionals opened the show - and we were introduced to four new dancers: Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Coppola and Gu. Reigning champs Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice also made a welcome return.
But the Manchester Evening News reports Countryfile host Helen had warned she needed a partner who was “fun” and “patient” and could understand a northern accent and so was delighted to be paired with Gorka. And as the Spanish dancer had made Greater Manchester his home alongside Bury-born fiancée Gemma and their daughter, Mia, he certainly ticks Helen's boxes.
Read more: 50p rarer than Kew Gardens coin may be worth £60
Taking to Instagram following the big reveal, Gemma, 37, shared a photo of the newly partnered pair and kept it simple as gushed to her millions of followers: "Dream team!" The Hits Radio host had actually re-shared her man's post as he excitedly posted about his dance partner for the first time.
"YEAY!!!" Gorka, 34, penned alongside a selfie of himself and Helen in the famous ballroom. "Finally the secret is over. So excited to be dancing with @helenskelton for this Series.."
He went on: "Already having an absolutely blast and I can’t wait for you to watch our first dance." He ended his post: "LET’S GO PARTNER!!!" And again, Gemma was the first to show her support for her man and his new dance partner. "So excited for you both!!! Let’s Gooooo!!" she typed.
And fans of the show were already thrilled with the partnership. @susanwilson7543 said: "Amazing!!! So glad she got you." @nickib1343 commented: "Loving this partnership." @laineydays wrote: "Super happy with this team." @juliathomas20 shared: "What a great partnership! Good luck with journey."
@gemmasmith39982 echoed: "Fabulous partnership! So excited to watch you both. You will be amazing." @gawn29 pledged: "This is my team this year." @tomlinhayes typed: "This has made me ridiculously happy." @kellylouisebaker20 replied: "What a fabulous duo… already want you two to win." @lovell.elizabeth added: "Fabulous go Gorka. This is your year."
Read next:
