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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Strictly's Gorka Marquez' emotional reunion with Gemma Atkinson and baby Mia after nine weeks

Strictly's Gorka Marquez has been reunited with girlfriend Gemma Atkinson and their daughter Mia after nine weeks.

The couple, who met on the BBC One show in 2017, have been separated due to Gorka competing in the dance competition with EastEnders star Maisie Smith.

In order for Strictly Come Dancing to go ahead safely this year, various Covid secure measures were in place including the celebrity and their professional partner becoming a 'bubble'.

This meant they were separated from their families for as long as they were in the competition.

And with Gorka making it all the way to Saturday night's final, Gemma and Mia had to wait 78 days to see him.

But it looks as though the reunion was worth it as the Spanish dancer looked teary eyed as he gave his little girl a squeeze as she held a picture for her 'papa' in photos posted to Instagram.

He simply captioned the post: "HOME," alongside a heart emoji before tagging his other half.

The adorable post has been flooded with messages from his Strictly co-stars.

"We are counting the hours. I can’t stop crying this picture," judge Motsi Mabuse wrote.

GMB's Ranvir Singh added: "Everything right here. Well done mate for working so hard - proud daddy."

Gemma also shared the pictures with her 1.5m followers and wrote: "HOME. After 78 days he’s home."

She was also inundated with messages.

Gorka and Maisie during Saturday night's final (BBC/Guy Levy)

I'm A Celeb winner Giovanna Fletcher commented: "Gorgeous!!! Xxxxx"

"Must be the best feeling ever. Love you guys," pro dancer Karen Hauer added.

Former Strictly winner Ore Oduba also said: "Can't imagine the feeling. So glad you're all back together."

Gorka has been visibly emotional during his time on the show as he missed home.

Speaking on It Takes Two ahead of the final, the 30-year-old said: "Obviously there were times where I thought, 'What am I doing? Why am I not going home?'

"It’s very hard to be away from Gemma and Mia.

"But coming into the studio every day and to have Maisie there pushing and smiling trying to be her best, it pays off."

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