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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Gemma Atkinson's home defended as she shares photo with 'tiny' daughter ahead of parenting milestone

Gemma Atkinson has had her home defended by her loyal fans after she posted a sweet throwback photo with her 'tiny' daughter. The Hits Radio host was reminiscing ahead of choosing schools for three-year-old Mia next week.

Gemma and her Strictly Come Dancing star fiancé Gorka Marquez welcomed their first child together back in July 2019. Their little girl's arrival came two years after they met on the hit BBC One show. Sparks flew between the pair, despite being partnered with different people, and they went public with their relationship following the Strictly live tour at the start of 2018.

Fast-forward and the couple have been engaged for over a year after Gorka, 34, popped the question on Valentine's Day in 2021. But Gemma, 37, and Gorka are heading for another milestone as parents.

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Taking to Instagram, Bury-born Gemma shared a photo of herself and Mia when she was a bit younger than she is now. " I don’t remember Mia being this tiny," the mum-of-one typed alongside the sweet snap to her millions of followers. She went on: " It’s crazy how time passes so quickly…

"I definitely remember being tired at this point in her life, and I still wasn’t on top of being organised (hence the mess in the back ground). But the fact I’m going looking around school open days next week to put her name down for next year is insane!"

She ended her post by saying: "My little baby, now a sassy little lady who wants to do everything by herself." Gorka, who is currently starring in Strictly's 20th series alongside Helen Skelton, was quick to respond, posting a string of weary face emojis and red hearts.

But it was Gemma's reference to the "mess" in her house that fans were quick to pick up and were soon jumping to her defence. @raerubyraek said: "Firstly, what mess? Do you mean the lived in house, full of love & empowerment, laughter & kindness? That house in the background? Also, nobody is fully on their game in the first year to 18mths of having a baby & all of that is absolutely normal & ok. You’re a fantastic mum, Gorks is a fantastic dad & Mia is an awesome little lady who I have no doubt will love school."

@anji717 echoed: "That’s a lived in home, not mess!" @annalisabarbieri shared: "What mess? Gorgeous photo. My eldest just went to uni. Nothing like having children to mark the passing of time!" @therealcarlyv joked: "'Mess'?! I wish my house was that messy."

And it wasn't just the lack of 'mess' that distracted Gemma's followers. @happyfitter wrote: "She is absolutely gorgeous!!!! But can we just mention your guns in this pic." @captaincrombo said: "Look at your gun tho." @richbeckton1965 replied: "Lovely photo, she’s so like you and I bet she wishes she had her Mum’s guns." @rickalexmo added: "Check the guns on you."

Last month Gemma was flooded with praise as she 'sets an example' to her daughter. As she often does, Gemma shared a look inside her weekend gym routine and this time it included a little visitor who decided to get in on the action. And she appeared to be the ultimate gym buddy.

Gemma with Mia in their home gym (Gemma Atkinson Instagram)

The former Emmerdale and Hollyoaks star shared an adorable video of her and Mia working out in their home gym together as the toddler followed her mother’s moves with some toy weights of her own. Gemma shared a clip of them warming up before doing some exercises together, including lifting weights.

Throughout the clip, Gemma taught her daughter how to properly hold her toy gym equipment before giving her high-fives and applauding her work. She told her followers: "Every Saturday we spend time in the gym. She asks questions, she watches, she learns, she grows." Gemma then added: "I hope you always want to train with me Mia," as the video ended with the pair showing off their muscles after their workout. Gorka was, again, quick to comment, sharing a string of love-heart eye emoji faces and writing: "My little super girls!"

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