Fans' hearts melted last month when Gemma Atkinson shared the special moment her toddler reunited with her dad Gorka Marquez after she took her to see him dance for the first time.
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress and two-year-old Mia were in the audience for Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka's tour Firedance with co-star Karen Hauer. The show travelled up and down the country with a 'hometown' stop for Gorka at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
Gemma, 37, shared video clips from the night at the time with her millions of followers on Instagram of Karen and Gorka on stage before telling her fans that Mia was so moved by the experience she told her mum on the way home that she wants to follow in Gorka's footsteps and become a dancer too.
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"Mia got to see Papa dancing for the first time last night," the Hits Radio host said. "She absolutely loved it and in the car driving home she told me she wants to dance. After watching him on tele it was so nice for her to finally see him live doing what he does best. @gorka_marquez We’re very proud of you!"
Gorka also shared pictures and clips of his little girl giving him a hug backstage after he finished up the show. But he has now spoken about the moment he heard her voice while performing on stage which almost made him cry.
The Spanish dancer appeared on ITV's Lorraine to chat to stand-in host Ranvir Singh alongside two of his Strictly co-stars Neil Jones and Katya Jones about the upcoming professional dancers' tour.
Gorka was asked about leaving Gemma and Mia as he heads out on the road which he says is 'difficult' as it comes off the back of him being away on his own tour before the family got to enjoy their first holiday together.
"Does Mia know what you do, does she understand?" Ranvir then asked Gork who replied: "Yes, she came to see me for the first time when I did Firedance with Karen and it was so funny because there's a number when it all goes quiet and it's just me and Karen on the stage.
"The whole theatre in Manchester was in silence and I could hear her [Mia] and she just went 'Papa' and I knew it was her." As Ranvir, Neil and Katya let out huge 'awws', Gorka added: "I just wanted to cry... it was just the most beautiful moment."
Gorka and Gemma met on the 2017 series of BBC dance contest Strictly when Gemma was a finalist partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec and Gorka was paired with singer Alexandra Burke. They welcomed Mia on July 4 2019 and they got engaged on Valentine's Day 2021.
Gemma has recently shared updates from their time away in Tenerife which holds a special place in her heart. T he Bury-born star also spoke travel experience amid the ongoing chaotic scenes of huge queues, baggage delays, and crowded check-in halls.
