‘I’m too busy for romance’
Gemma Atkinson, 32, has insisted she wants the focus to be on dance not romance.
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star is paired with Aljaz Skorjanec but last week was linked to fellow professional Gorka Marquez, who is paired with show favourite Alexandra Burke.
Gemma and Gorka have been pictured in the gym together away from their partners and insiders have spoken of them being a couple.
But speaking to us before last night’s show, Gemma said: “I’m used to it. I’ve had talk about who I’m dating for the past 15 years.
“It’s nice to find out in the papers who I’m dating. I haven’t had a joke about it with Alexandra – we’re so busy with the dancing there’s no time to pay attention to what’s said.”
Gemma and Aljaz performed an energetic Charleston to The Bare Necessities from Jungle Book during the Movie Week show.
Strictly has been a springboard to big stage success for previous contestants such as Caroline Flack, Georgia May Foote and Louise Redknapp, but Gemma says she doesn’t fancy a West End debut.
“I don’t think theatre’s for me. I get far too nervous doing a live show on Strictly.
“Doing a live show every night of the week would send me to a nervous breakdown.”
However, a return to her Emmerdale Carly Hope character is a likelier prospect.
“Emmerdale have left the door open and I am speaking to them,” she admitted.
“But I think after I finish Strictly I’ll want a nice holiday somewhere first.”