Gemma Atkinson has opened up about her daughter's difficult goodbye to her father Gorka Marquez. Hits Radio presenter Gemma says both three-year-old Mia and doting dad Gorka, 32, burst into tears as he went back to work after a "short and sweet" visit of 24 hours.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka is currently on tour with fellow Strictly favourite Karen Hauer with their show Firedance. To mark Gorka being home the trio had another Pancake Day together.
"Papa being home was short and sweet, especially with Pancakes. (We had another pancake day together)," wrote Gemma as she shared snaps of father and daughter in the kitchen on her Instagram.
"Mia is always ok when Gorks is packing and saying bye, but every time, right before he gets in his car she bursts into tears Then that makes him do the same!"
Former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress Gemma, whose father David tragically passed away in 2002 when she was 17, added: "It’s always hard and I guess something we’re hoping Mia gets used too. I know how it feels missing your dad so I feel for her so much.
"And I miss her after just one night away so I know it’s hard for Gorka too. "So many families have similar or partners away for even longer so it’s nice in some ways to know we’re all in it together."
Well-wishers reached out to to Gemma, who is expecting their second child a baby boy this summer, with their own stories. sharon.e20 said: "Military wife and know the feeling very well sadly my daughter is really upset by daddy being away this time round - back in 4 months only just back from being away for 3.5 months… it’s relentless!"
nikiburne told her: "I’m not sure if it helps but yes they do get used to it. Having a stage manager Daddy hasn’t always been easy but it’s paying off now they are a little older and able to watch shows and see some benefit then it’s easier." She added with a laughing emoji: "During covid they kept asking why Daddy is hanging around so much."
And julesandherlittlepeople told her: "Eventually she will come to realise as she gets older, it's all for her. It's still heartbreaking to see them breaking down though, big hugs to you both, Gorka will be back before you know it."
Over on his Instagram Gorka posted an adorable collection of pictures showing the three of them smiling together, one of father and daughter pulling faces and Mia's 'Welcome Home Papa' card. "24h and a bit at Home with my girls," he wrote. "Cuddles, food, movies, shopping and Mia asked me to paint her nails."
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