Gorka Marquez didn't shy away from showing his pride - and his love - for his fiancee Gemma Atkinson as she prepared to leave her radio job. But listeners and fans need not worry as the Hits Radio host is just heading off on maternity leave as she prepares to welcome baby number two.
Gorka and Gemma announced the wonderful news back in January that they were expecting their second child together. The dancer and former soap star, who met in 2017 when Gemma was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, confirmed they were expecting a boy who is due in the summer.
Bury-born Gemma, 38, has recently been counting down to her maternity leave with Gorka, 32, set to join her at their Greater Manchester home for some precious time before their baby boy arrives. He is also finishing up on the Strictly Professionals UK tour which is currently in full swing up and down the country.
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She previously said alongside a throwback snap of the pair, which showed her pulling a huge smile for the camera while gripping onto her topless dancer beau. "My happy face knowing he's home for 10 fill weeks!!!" she wrote before she then quipped: "It'll be the longest we've spent together in 6 years so could go either way," alongside a crying laughing emoji.
But on Thursday (May 18), before Gemma hosted her last show - for now - on Hits Radio with co-host Mike Toolan, the pair discovered some great news. They found out that they have been raking in 1.5 million listeners every week in the drivetime slot from 4-7pm.
Alongside a promo picture of the pair that declared the news, Gemma tweeted: "Wow! Thank you so much! To all of our listeners who keep us company 4 to 7pm weekdays and especially to producer @matt_foister for polishing our turds daily on this show. Very much appreciated! @Toolyboy."
Mike also shared the exciting update on Instagram, writing: "Well, she’s going out on a high. Final show before @glouiseatkinson goes off on Mama duties and the audience figures have peaked. Thank you to you if you’ve been daft enough to listen to our ramblings. We’re really grateful."
And Gemma had a warning for her friend and co-host. "I’m leaving at high tide Tools! Don’t sink the bloody ship while I’m away," she wrote in the comments alongside a facepalming and crying laughing emoji.
While Gemma and Mike continued their usual banter, Gorka got a bit more sentimental as he reshared Mike's post to his own Instagram Story. "Last show for @glouise today..." he typed alongside a face holding back tears emoji and a yellow heart.
After finishing up her show, Gemma took to Instagram and in her usual tongue-in-cheeky style, the mum-of-two-to-be shared a clip from The Hangover and wrote: "Final show done. Officially on maternity leave! And that’s how I’ve just left producer Matt and @miketoolan in the studio carpark," alongside a crying laughing emoji.
She then confirmed that her exit isn't permanent as she added: "I’ll be back on air with the gang in the new year, but until then, enjoy! And thanks for tuning in." And fans were quick to flood her with their best wishes. @tracy56lou said: "Will miss you and tools on the radio but so looking forward to baby posts. Good luck Gemma."
@laurenliza123 commented: "Good luck Gemma! All the best for your maternity leave with Mia and little man!" @pam4026 replied: "Wishing you all the very best for the main event and enjoy your time with your little girl before she becomes a big sister.You will be missed." @rac.h5 added: "You'll be missed, enjoy mat leave."
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