Gemma Atkinson has revealed that her late father’s absence is a key reason she hasn’t married her fiancé Gorka Marquez, despite their long engagement.
The former Strictly star shared her feelings in a moving Father’s Day letter to her father David, who died of a heart attack aged 52 when she was just 17.
Writing in support of palliative care charity Sue Ryder, Atkinson admitted: “I think one of the reasons we’ve not done it yet is because of you. We’ve come close many times, but something stops me.”
The radio presenter explained that as the last Atkinson in her family line, she’s reluctant to change her surname and lose that final connection to her father.
Atkinson also paid tribute to her late dad in an Instagram post
“I’m now the last Atkinson in the family line and if I give up my name, there’s no more of us. I don’t want to lose that remaining tie to you,” she wrote in the emotional letter marking her 24th Father’s Day without him.
The actress and radio host confessed that the thought of walking down the aisle without her father is almost unbearable.
“Not having you walk me down the aisle… maybe I’ll just stay engaged for a bit longer,” she admitted.
Atkinson, who shares children Mia and Thiago with the Spanish Strictly professional dancer, has been engaged to Marquez since 2021.
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The actress and radio host confessed that the thought of walking down the aisle without her father is almost unbearable
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Atkinson reflected on how her father would have loved Marquez, writing: “I think you’d be really happy with my choice of fiancé. You’d get such a kick out of Gorka being a professional dancer – you loved to dance – and I know you’d adore your grandchildren.”
She expressed sadness that the two men never met, particularly when Marquez faced challenges similar to those her father experienced.
“I wish you’d got to meet him. There have been many times where he would have benefitted from your advice,” she wrote.
Atkinson recalled how Marquez had to leave for a tour when their daughter Mia was just three days old, imagining how her father would have offered support and understanding.
In January, Marquez addressed their wedding plans, explaining they would marry when their son Thiago becomes more independent
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Despite the painful absence, Atkinson keeps her father’s memory alive for her children. “I talk to Thiago and Mia about you all the time. They call you GanGan David,” she revealed in the letter.
The family displays his photograph at home, though young Mia believes “GanGan David lives on the moon and you can’t get out” and frequently asks how they can rescue him.
In January, Marquez addressed their wedding plans, explaining they would marry when their son Thiago becomes more independent.
“We will do it, it’s just not at the moment,” he said, noting they didn’t want their toddler disrupting the ceremony by “screaming that he only wants mummy.”
