Gemma Atkinson was reduced to tears as she watched Gorka Marquez and Helen Skelton dance for the final time before losing out on the Strictly Come Dancing 2022 title. The Hits Radio host was in the audience supporting her man and his celebrity dance partner amid their bid to be crowned champions in the final of the BBC competition.
It is the first time Gemma, 38, has been to see her fiance Gorka, 32, and Countryfile host Helen, 39, live at Elstree Studios where the hit dance contest is filmed. She was joined by her radio co-host Mike Toolan and her and Gorka's pal Fraser Knox in the crowd to cheer on the couple.
It came as Gorka and Helen performed three routines as they went head-to-head with Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu, Fleur East and Vito Coppola and eventual winners Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal.
And after their last routine of the evening, Gemma couldn't hide her emotions as Helen paid tribute to her dance partner while talking to Strictly co-host Claudia Winkelman. "I get lots of credit," she said before turning to Gorka. "You, my friend, have been in three finals for a reason.
"You are a credit to this show. You help everybody. Everyone in the final had tips from you." Cranking up the emotion, the mum-of-three went on to say "You are a credit to your family, to Gemma and Mia. I am very grateful that you have guided me through this adventure."
And as she finished her mini speech, the cameras showed Gemma struggling not to cry in the audience as she sat in between her two pals and fans were quick to comment on the 'cute' moment on social media. @LovedByYou14 tweeted: "Aweeee Gemma is in bits. That was cute. #STRICTLY."
@bramwell_ashley posted: "Awwwwww Gemma being emotional for Gorka #strictly." @bobroc22 said: "Poor Gemma crying #Strictly." @hcpeofitall wrote: "Gemma crying at gorka and helen making me cry #Strictly." @scottyjotty admitted: "Ok, Gemma crying has set me off #Strictly."
@83VickiB echoed: "Gorka's crying Gemma's crying...im crying! #Strictly." @Gee_McK commented: "Oh Gemma in the audience, totes emosh #Strictly #scd." @scddevereaux added: "NOT GEMMA CRYING IN THE AUDIENCE #strictly."
It comes after Gemma posted a gushing message to Gorka and Helen ahead of their performance in the final - even admitting to making a place in their Greater Manchester home for the Glitterball which now sadly won't be filled by the trophy. "Tonight’s the night," the former soap star started her post before the final with a string of fingers crossed emojis.
She went on to type: "Thrilled to be sat watching the show live this evening and cheering stupidly loud for Gorks & Helen! I'm beyond proud of what they have achieved. To use the cringe word 'journey' is an understatement! The transformation in Helen’s dancing is outstanding and it’s because she now believes in herself, knows her worth and now just goes for it! Gorka being the most incredible teacher and mentor and all of the kind wonderful msgs of support from people has all helped get her there. Kind words go along way in building someone up.
"Thank you for all your votes! It means so much. Time away from families and hours of dancing between work and home life have all paid off because they’ve made the final! The final push for that glitter ball is what we need! I’ve cleared a space especially in the loo for it. Hope you enjoy tonight’s show and if you’re voting with us THANK YOU! Let’s goooooo!!!"
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