Gemma Atkinson has shared a message after fiancé Gorka Marquez was paired with Helen Skelton on BBC Strictly Come Dancing. The competition returned to BBC One on Friday (September 23) - and the 15 celebrity contestants discovered their professional dance partners.
A ballroom performance from the professionals opened the show - and we were introduced to four new dancers: Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Coppola and Gu. Reigning champs Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice also made a welcome return.
But the Manchester Evening News reports Countryfile host Helen had warned she needed a partner who was “fun” and “patient” and could understand a northern accent and so was delighted to be paired with Gorka. And as the Spanish dancer had made Greater Manchester his home alongside Bury-born fiancée Gemma and their daughter, Mia, he certainly ticks Helen's boxes.
