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Gem holds no fear of losing man
GEMMA Atkinson says there is no chance the Strictly curse will hit her relationship with Gorka Marquez.
The actress, 33, will watch him performing up close with TV host Katie Piper in the new series.
But she is not worried about them being the latest pairing to fall for each other backstage.
In an exclusive interview, Gemma said: “Katie has a husband but even if she was single, it wouldn’t be an issue that Gorka is dancing with her.
“I trust him 100% and it is his job to teach someone else to dance.
“He could be partnered with Miss Universe and I’d still trust him because we’ve got something so amazing.
“But I know with or without rumours of the curse, Katie and Gorka are still going to be nervous.”
The Strictly curse has ruined a string of marriages over the years.
Singer Louise Redknapp, 43, presenter Rachel Riley, 32, and ex-rugby ace Ben Cohen, 40, all got divorced after taking part. Meanwhile, former boxer Joe Calzaghe, 46, model Daisy Lowe, 29, and actress Georgia May Foote, 27, also ended relationships while on the show.
Gemma formed a close bond with Spanish hunk Gorka during her stint as a contestant last year.
She added: “During my time on Strictly I had friendships. But I was so nervous I didn’t have a connection with anyone in that way.
“Me and Gorka didn’t really have a connection when I was on Strictly. We just had a friendship.
“Then we spent Christmas together and in February we said, ‘Let’s make something’ and it was then we had that connection.”
Gemma plans to be in Strictly’s studio audience for the live shows, which start next weekend.
And the former soap star can’t wait to see her man and Katie performing.
Gemma said: “I think they’re going to be great together. I know Gorka is thrilled to be dancing with Katie.”
Gemma became one of TV’s hottest actresses on shows including Hollyoaks, Casualty and Emmerdale. But since Strictly she has focused on her radio career as a host on Manchester station Hits Radio.
She added: “I don’t have any plans to do more acting. I’m enjoying the radio show.”
BRUNO
Tonioli says he won’t care if The X Factor beats Strictly in the ratings war. He added: “Sharon Osbourne is very popular and she is great fun. “You can’t underestimate X Factor. All I want is for everyone to be happy.” And he doesn’t care if Simon Cowell criticises Strictly, saying: “He always tries to create controversy.”
The new Strictly line-up has been branded “Z-list” by some fans. But Bruno is confident it will be a success. He added: “The show will deliver this year.”