Gorka Marquez has begged ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ bosses not to separate him from Gemma Atkinson.
The 28-year-old professional dancer wants show producers to pair him with a celebrity who is based near his home with pregnant Gemma, 34, in Bury, Manchester, so that he won’t have to travel away from her and their baby.
The show’s dancers are required to base themselves near their celebrity partners in order to ensure maximum training time.
A source told The Sun Online: "Gorka has pleaded with Strictly producers to put him with a northern-based star so he can be close to home.
"By the time the show is on, Gemma will have given birth to their baby and he doesn’t want to be too far from them.
"’Strictly’ professionals are required to base themselves from Monday to Friday in the area where their celebrity lives.
"Obviously, if he’s in the south or another far-flung location, it will be struggle to get back to them both."
Gemma and Gorka met on ‘Strictly’ in 2017 and will welcome their first child together this summer.
Gemma announced her pregnancy in February by sharing a picture of the couple’s two dogs, Norm and Ollie, who were wearing signs around their neck which read: "Guess what … mum’s pregnant. We’re going to be big brothers!"
Gemma captioned the post: "And what Amazing big brothers they will be! Myself & Gorks are beyond excited and happy and feel incredibly blessed to be meeting our new family member later this year. Baby Marquez!!! We love you loads already @gorka_marquez (sic)"
Dancer Gorka posted the same image of the pooches on his Instagram account and wrote a caption praising his gorgeous partner.
He wrote: "@glouiseatkinson Thank you for the greatest gift in life. Myself and Gem are beyond thrilled to be welcoming our new family member later this year! Baby Marquez. (sic)"
Gorka Marquez’s Strictly plea
