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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Gemma Atkinson 'solidifies' decision over daughter Mia after seeking fans' advice

Gemma Atkinson has shown fans a sweet moment she shared with her daughter, Mia, days after starting her maternity leave ahead of welcoming baby number two. The pregnant Hits Radio host is currently riding solo at home as her Strictly Come Dancing star fiance Gorka Marquez is currently on tour.

The dancer surprised her earlier this week as he joined her during her last drive time show on the station with Mike Toolan until next year Gorka joined Gemma and Mike over the phone with mum-of-two-to-be Gemma writing on Instagram: "And he knows I hate surprises," as she reshared a video from the Hits Radio Instagram account.

In the clip, Mike was heard quizzing Gorka about Gemma's plans for a water birth and how he feels about the birth itself. But he ended on a sweet message for his future wife and her co-star, saying: "I just want to say, obviously it's the last show of Gemma and I love to hear you both. Have a good last show."

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Gemma, 38, has since been relaxing into her maternity leave and on Saturday morning (May 20), she took to Instagram to share a video of Mia, three, reading a Peppa Pig book to her outside in the garden of their Greater Manchester home.

The mum-of-two-to-be then shared a follow-up video showing her cuddling up to one of her pet pooches as the other basked in the spring sunshine. "Told us to all sit and listen to her stories," Gemma penned alongside the video with an almost crying emoji and red heart referring to her little girl.

She then added: "This has solidified out no iPad rile for longer. She's defo not getting one for he B'day." Earlier this month, Gemma sought the advice of her followers as she admitted that she was in a "little bit of a predicament" over her daughter Mia's birthday which is in just a couple of months time.

Mia spent her morning outside reading to her mum and their pet dogs, Ollie and Norman (Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

"Fourth of July of course, Miss Independent," she said, sharing her toddlers birthday. She went on to explain that she didn't know what to do after Mia asked for an iPad and asked "am I being tight?" by saying no. "She's asked for an iPad and I've said no, because obviously everyone parents differently and I'm sure when there's two I'll be like 'have what you want'," she explained.

The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star then added: "But she's so good with her books and her colours but she's sulked about it. And I think four is too young for us. Obviously, everyone does it differently and she has one at my sister's and she has a little Nintedo Wii at my mum's. It's my stepdad's old one and I've said 'when you go there fine. But when you're with us and you come out for food and brunch or whatever it's colours, books.'"

Questioning her own opinion on the matter, she then asked: "Four's too young isn't it? I don't know what to do." Gemma later updated to say the majority had agreed with her over saying no. "Some teachers have said 'no don't,'" she said. She explained how they said it wasn't about what they're doing on it, but the 'blue light' that can disrupt the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle.

The quality time helped Gemma make a decision (Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

But it was then that Gemma made an observation about her parenting style. Gemma joked that she was a 'sergeant major mum' as she said that Mia was currently watching Paddington as she spoke but added they have restricted telly time in their home. "As if I'm a sergeant major mum. I mean, she's watching Paddington now but we do have restricted telly time. Two episodes and that's it," the mum-of-two-to-be said.

"I really am I sergeant major mum. I thought I'd be proper chilled and I'm the opposite." She then added with a bit of a sigh: "I'm only just realising it," before joking: "I'm going to walk her up at five tomorrow. Forty press ups, shot of coffee, off to pre-school."

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