How I got fit for Strictly EMMERDALE GEMMA
Actress Gemma shapes up for Strictly
GEMMA Atkinson will need a “strong” partner after completing an intensive fitness regime for Strictly Come Dancing.
The actress, 32, ditched junk food for 12 weeks – and lost 5lb in the opening seven days of her new regime.
She finished working with her personal trainers earlier this month and said: “I’ve pushed myself physically and mentally. At times, I have wanted to quit.” After it was revealed yesterday Gemma will take part in the BBC One dance show, a source said: “Gemma gives 100% in everything whether training, acting or dancing. “She puts in the hours when it comes to learning a new skill – so she could be a contender for the Glitterball Trophy.” But Gemma insisted she is not a great dancer but “after a few drinks I think I’m Britney Spears”. She added: “I did disco dancing when I was 10 until 11, but that was high kicks and cartwheels. As far as traditional ballroom, Latin and jazz, I don’t have a clue.” Gemma, who is 5ft 9in, does not mind which male dance partner she gets “as long as they are strong, as I’m big for a girl”. And she added: “I’m flattered Strictly have asked me. I wanted to do it as a challenge.” Gemma has played Lisa Hunter in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, Tamzin Bayle in BBC One’s hospital drama Casualty, and Carly Hope in ITV’s Emmerdale. In February, she joined Manchester radio station Key 103’s breakfast show. She is the fourth celebrity named for series 15, which starts next month. Gemma joins TV presenter Ruth Langsford, 57, actor Davood Ghadami, 35, and The Saturdays singer-songwriter Mollie King, 30. Gemma’s fellow soap star Bev Callard claims the Corrie cast is banned from the Strictly due to “malarkey” between channels. The actress, who portrays Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, said: “They won’t let us, and that is the only reality show I would do.”