Strictly Come Dancing’s Gemma Atkinson has developed a soft spot for Gorka Marquez.
The ‘Emmerdale’ actress and the professional dancer have set tongues wagging after they were spotted getting up close and personal during the group rehearsal last week.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "There is definitely something developing — everyone can see there’s an obvious attraction.
"They couldn’t keep away from each other at group rehearsals. Gorka even invited Gemma to his birthday meal and they sat together the whole night."
However, the pair won’t get to spend that much time together as Gorka is partnered with Alexandra Burke for the show and Gemma is teamed up with Aljaz Skorjanec.
And the 32-year-old star’s undeniable bond with Gorka, 27, will no doubt come as a surprise to fans as she previously insisted she isn’t looking for love on the show.
When asked whether she was looking for love on the show, she said: "No, gosh! I’m just hoping not to fall at the end of the dance! That’s all on my mind at the minute."
And she admitted the dances aren’t as romantic as they looks on screen, and she was "mortified" when she was forced to get up close and personal with Aljaz.
She said: "Being forced to be face-to-face with someone you’ve just met is mortifying. It sounds all lovely. But it’s like doing a scene with one of your mates at ‘Emmerdale’. On camera it looks good, but when you’re in it and doing it, it’s awkward."
Gemma also revealed she went on an intense training course to prepare her body for the skimpy dance outfits, which she says are heavier than they look.
She said: "They don’t look it, but when you put them on they are surprisingly heavy with the sequins. It’s extra weight to carry around but it’s fine.
"And yeah, I’ll be self-conscious about showing off my body. But we’ve tried two on and they’re beautiful. I had assumed the costumes were re-used every year. However, everything is fitted and made to measure so that all of us, no matter our shape, size or height, look really good in them. It’s just difficult going to the toilet because we’re all sewn in, so we’ll have to not drink as much."
Gemma Atkinson bonds with Gorka Marquez
