STRICTLY GEMMA
The truth about me, Gorka and Alexandra PAGES 12&13
Star laughs off claims of romance with dancer and bust-up with rival contestant
IF YOU believe the rumours, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke are sworn enemies as they battle for the attention of Gorka Marquez.
Alex is said to be seething that Gorka, her pro partner on Strictly Come Dancing, is getting distracted from steering her to the final due to his attraction to fellow contestant Gemma.
But the former Emmerdale star laughs at the suggestion Alexandra is at her throat. She said: “I think people love to hear that contestants or pros are falling out because they love a little bit of drama. But there isn’t any.
“There’s no animosity between anyone. We all message each other in the week on WhatsApp and send each other funny pictures and videos.”
But what about when they meet up on Friday and Saturday nights at the TV studio in Hertfordshire?
“We’re so focused on our dances that we haven’t got time to fall out,” Gemma said. “Gorka’s priority is getting Alexandra through week by week, the same thing (my dance partner) Aljaz (Skorjanec) has. My focus is pleasing Aljaz. It’s the same for every couple.”
That is not to say a nice little romance with the 27-year-old Spaniard isn’t on the cards. The pair, who train in cities 200 miles apart, just need to have a bit more time on their hands.
Last month, Gemma, 32, said the only thing she and Gorka had shared was a recipe for guacamole. Now, she coyly admits she does rather like him.
She said: “I think he’s brilliant and we are getting to know each other, but for now the main focus is dancing.” Once the show ends? “We’ll see,” she said.
They could be afforded quality time together if they sign up for the Strictly tour after Christmas. “I’d love to do it,” Gemma said. “No one’s been asked yet but hopefully I could make it work.
“All the pros say it’s great because it’s the same fun with no pressure.”
Speaking to Gemma as she prepares for her salsa in tonight’s show, it’s clear she’s having the time of her life.
Despite getting up at 4.30am to do her Key 103 radio show in Manchester every day, before training with 27-yearold Slovenian Aljaz for up to eight hours, she’s buzzing.
Gemma said: “It’s full on and it’s hard, but it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. From rehearsals to the dress runs to the live show and drinks afterwards, I’m loving it.”
Part of the fun is training with Aljaz, who is married to fellow pro Janette Manrara. “Aljaz really is a lovely guy, one of the kindest and most friendly people,” Gemma said. “Every single day I’ve trained, I’ve belly laughed.”
She claims to have rather more belly to laugh with since training started 10 weeks ago.
A gym bunny before Strictly, she said: “Because I’ve not done any weight training, my body’s changed, it feels softer. I still feel fit, because we’re doing a lot of cardio, but in all honestly I’ve not been eating the way I should.” She reckons all the hours of practising have sent her appetite through the roof.
“I’m eating things that I wouldn’t normally – bread, chocolate, Haribos.
“I’ve probably gained weight since doing Strictly. I’m enjoying the new rolls for winter.”
Gemma, who first found fame on Hollyoaks, was inspired to stay fit after losing her Scots dad David, 52, when she was 17 after a heart attack.
In her 20s, she was a favourite of the lads’ mags but Gemma has swapped glamour shoots for fitness ones.
She said: “I stopped doing the mags 10 years ago and was glad to get out while it was at its peak.” Promoting a positive body image is key now.
She said: “I’m 5ft 9in and I’ve got broad shoulders. I’m never going to be a petite size eight.
“But I can be strong and fit and
healthy, so if I was any sort of role model, I’d like to inspire girls to be the best version of themselves they can.” Gemma has just signed up for another year of breakfast radio on Key 103 but doesn’t rule out a return to Emmerdale, where she played Carly Hope for two years. “I love the show and all the people on it,” she said. “I left in March and it’s been left open.” For now, she needs to be thinking about that glitterball prize, although Aljaz says not to. She has thanked him for all his hard work by organising for the Man United fan to meet her friend, ex-footballer Ryan Giggs.
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood has picked out Gemma as one of the contenders to lift the trophy.
But she has been brought to tears by the show.
She said: “It was after our first dance, the cha cha. I was petrified but Aljaz said, ‘Congratulations, you just opened Strictly,’ and I was so chuffed. I’ll remember that moment forever.”
●Strictly Come Dancing, BBC1, at 6.50pm tonight.