Gemma Atkinson has shared her reaction to Gorka Marquez's brand new Strictly Come Dancing partnership as the 2022 competition launched. The hit BBC One dance contest returned to screens on Friday night (September 23) and fans saw the 15 celebrity contestants discover which of the professional partners they will be training and performing with during their time on the show.
The show opened with a ballroom performance from the professional dancers and the four new dancers – Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Coppola and Gu – were introduced with a cinematic group number. And there was also a much-welcomed return to the ballroom for reigning champs Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice.
But it was all about which celebrity would be paired with which professional dancer and viewers saw Gorka discover he'd be dancing with Helen Skelton. The Countryfile host 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 fiancee Gemma and their daughter, Mia, he certainly ticks Helen's boxes.
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 ost 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."
Prior to the Strictly launch show going to air, Gemma teased who Gorka's partner could be. After a rough night being woken by her dog who had suffered a bit of a smelly accident, her husband-to-be decided to make her morning a bit easier by setting out her coffee cup alongside her other morning essentials alongside a cute note.
"I love you!! Have a nice day," the message read as Gemma could be heard in a video on her Instagram Story saying: "Bless you, Gorks," before sharing another written message. She typed over the short clip: "Bless him. He's gone dancing! His partner is just so wonderful and has already been SO kind to myself & Mia."
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