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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Fans ask 'where can I get one' as Gemma Atkinson shares 'threatening' reason for co-star's leaving gift

Gemma Atkinson has left fans asking 'where can I get one?' as she showed the genius leaving gift she got for her Hits Radio co-host before jokingly admitting the 'intimidating' reason behind it.

Earlier this week, the 38-year-old presented her last show on the station with Mike Toolan. But listeners and fans need not worry as Gemma is just heading off on maternity leave as she prepares to welcome baby number two with her Strictly Come Dancing star fiance Gorka Marquez.

Gemma and Gorka announced back in January that they were expanding their brood and expecting their second child together after welcoming their daughter, Mia, back in 2019. The dancer and former soap star, who met in 2017 when Gemma was a contestant on Strictly, confirmed they were expecting a boy who is due in the summer.

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After finishing up her show, Gemma took to Instagram and in her usual tongue-in-cheeky style, the mum-of-two-to-be shared a clip from The Hangover and wrote: "Final show done. Officially on maternity leave! And that’s how I’ve just left producer Matt and @miketoolan in the studio carpark," alongside a crying laughing emoji.

She then confirmed that her exit isn't permanent as she added: "I’ll be back on air with the gang in the new year, but until then, enjoy! And thanks for tuning in." And fans were quick to flood her with their best wishes. @tracy56lou said: "Will miss you and tools on the radio but so looking forward to baby posts. Good luck Gemma."

@laurenliza123 commented: "Good luck Gemma! All the best for your maternity leave with Mia and little man!" @pam4026 replied: "Wishing you all the very best for the main event and enjoy your time with your little girl before she becomes a big sister. You will be missed." @rac.h5 added: "You'll be missed, enjoy mat leave."

But she has since returned to Instagram with a joint post from Hits Radio as they showed the moment Gemma presented Mike with a leaving gift. After Mike is instructed to close his eyes, Gemma walks into the studio with a cardboard cut out of herself. "3...2...1 you can open your eyes," she declared as Mike appears stunned and exclaims: "Oh my God!"

"Oh no," he then added as the cardboard cut-out was brought closer. "It's for you to keep... Not in your room at home!" Gemma explained as Mike quipped: "Imagine I bring a lady friend back? 'Oh, don't mind the cardboard cutout!'"

"It's to keep in the studio," Gemma said. "So that whoever comes to sit in this seat and keeps it warm feels threatened," the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star added. "Oh yes!" Mike replied as they both burst out laughing.

When Mike suggested people sell the cardboard cut-outs, Gemma replied: "Are you insane? Those are the best sellers,2 before adding: "Oh, as if that's the way I used to look. Look at me now!" But Mike cheekily replied: "Listen, you are beautiful in a different way," as Gemma quipped: "In a larger way."

Hits Radio captioned the Instagram post: "We can’t tell if @miketoolan likes @glouiseatkinson’s parting gift or not." And fans were quick to comment. @matthew.davies.mld said: "Where can i buy one? Asking for a friend..." @steve_cargill78 wrote: "I'd love one of them for my new digs."

@the_monk134 replied: "I’d pay a lot of money for that." @chrissyharriman said: "Love this, genius move @glouiseatkinson." @trace_5721 joked: "Watch where your putting your hands @miketoolan lol @glouiseatkinson brilliant present and he is right you are beautiful." @ebarmby added: "Absolutely brilliant."

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