When Gemma Atkinson told reporters, "A third would be nice," she wasn’t just chatting about baby names—she was laying bare a quiet rift in her relationship with Gorka Márquez. The British actress, mother to two young children, openly mused about expanding her family. But her partner, the Spanish dancer and Strictly Come Dancing professional, didn’t hesitate: "No more. Like even two… no, it’s perfect now." The exchange, revealed in an Entertainment Daily interview, isn’t just celebrity gossip. It’s a raw glimpse into how even the most seemingly stable relationships navigate the messy, deeply personal question of family size.
A Family of Four—and That’s It
Gemma and Gorka’s family is small but mighty: daughter Mia Atkinson, born July 2019, and son Thiago Atkinson, born July 2023. They’re both toddlers now, and Gemma describes the chaos as "organized" and "fun." She even referenced her own sister’s household—three grown kids—to suggest that the energy of a larger family appeals to her. But Gorka? He’s made his stance crystal clear. Not once, not twice, but multiple times in the same conversation: "No more." He doesn’t hedge. He doesn’t leave room for negotiation. For him, four people in the house—two adults, two children—is the sweet spot.
Love Story Born on the Dance Floor
Their relationship began in 2017, when Gemma, then a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, was paired with Gorka as her professional dance partner. Chemistry sparked—not just on the ballroom floor, but off it. They started dating in 2018, got engaged in 2021, and have since built a life together that’s equal parts romance and resilience. What makes their bond unusual? They’ve been long-distance for most of it. Gorka’s job requires him to be locked in a bio-secure bubble during Strictly Come Dancing seasons, often for months at a time. Gemma, speaking to Heat Magazine, called those pandemic-era years—2020 and 2021—"tough." She was raising a one-year-old Mia alone, while Gorka couldn’t even leave the studio. "Some couples break under that," she said. "But we learned how to do it from day one."
More Than Babies: The Little Things That Matter
It’s not just about children. A separate report from Bharat Barta—though light on details—hinted at another relatable tension: bedroom temperature. Apparently, Gemma likes it warm. Gorka? He wants it cool. They resolved it, they said, but didn’t say how. That’s the thing about real relationships: the big decisions—like having another baby—are often preceded by dozens of tiny, unglamorous negotiations. Who takes out the trash? Who gets up at 3 a.m.? Who’s in charge of the bedtime routine when the other is filming for six weeks straight? For this couple, those daily choices have built a foundation strong enough to withstand a fundamental disagreement about family size.
Why This Matters Beyond Celebrity Gossip
Most people don’t get to see celebrity couples hash out parenting differences so honestly. Too often, public figures present curated versions of perfection. But Gemma and Gorka? They’re showing the real stuff: one partner wanting more, the other feeling complete. It’s a dynamic millions of couples face. And the fact that Gorka’s "no more" isn’t framed as anger or resentment, but as calm certainty, is telling. He’s not rejecting Gemma—he’s affirming their life as it is. That’s not weakness. It’s conviction.
What’s Next? No New Babies, But Plenty of Love
With Gorka’s position so firmly stated, there’s no indication of a change. No "maybe next year," no "let’s talk again in five years." He’s closed the door. Gemma, for her part, hasn’t pushed further. She didn’t argue. She didn’t cry. She simply shared her thought—and accepted his. That mutual respect, even amid difference, is perhaps the most powerful part of their story. Their children—Mia and Thiago—are growing fast. By the time they’re in school, Gorka’s "perfect" family will look very different. But it won’t be bigger. And that’s okay. Because for them, family isn’t about numbers. It’s about harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gorka Márquez so firm about not having more children?
Gorka Márquez has repeatedly stated that their current family of four—himself, Gemma, Mia, and Thiago—is "perfect." He didn’t cite health, financial, or logistical reasons, but rather an emotional sense of completion. His tone suggests this isn’t a temporary stance but a deeply held belief about the ideal structure of their household.
How has long-distance affected their relationship?
Gorka’s role on Strictly Come Dancing requires months-long isolation in bio-secure bubbles, especially during pandemic years. Gemma described those periods as "difficult," particularly when raising a toddler alone. Yet they’ve turned separation into a strength, building routines and communication habits that helped them survive—and thrive—throughout their relationship.
Did Gemma Atkinson ever consider having only one child?
No. Gemma has never expressed a desire for a single child. Her comments suggest she always envisioned a family of at least three. She referenced her sister’s household of three adult children as a model of joyful chaos, indicating her ideal family size is larger than what she currently has. Her openness to a third child contrasts with Gorka’s absolute stance.
Is there any chance Gorka might change his mind?
Based on all available public statements, it’s extremely unlikely. Gorka didn’t say "not now" or "maybe later." He said "no more"—and emphasized that two children are "perfect." His language is definitive, not conditional. In interviews, he’s shown consistency on this point, suggesting this is a core value, not a passing preference.
How do fans and the public react to this difference?
Social media reactions have been mixed, but largely supportive. Many commenters praised their honesty, calling it "refreshing" to see a couple admit they don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. Others empathized, sharing their own stories of differing views on family size. The lack of public conflict has helped the couple maintain goodwill, even amid disagreement.
What’s the timeline for their family life moving forward?
There’s no official timeline, but with Mia turning five in 2024 and Thiago turning one, the couple is now entering a new phase: toddlerhood transitioning to preschool. Their focus appears to be on stability, not expansion. Gorka’s firm stance means their family unit will remain at four members, with energy now directed toward parenting, not pregnancy.
