Most people know Gemma Atkinson from two very different headlines: one as a Hollyoaks soap star, the other as a former girlfriend of a global football icon. But the real story of the Bury-born actress is less about tabloid romance and more about a durable career across television, radio, fitness books, and skincare.
Full name: Gemma Louise Atkinson ·
Date of birth: 16 November 1984 ·
Known for: Actress (Hollyoaks, Emmerdale), radio presenter, glamour model ·
Partner: Gorka Marquez (engaged since 2019) ·
Children: Two (daughter Mia, son Thiago) ·
Notable ex-relationship: Cristiano Ronaldo (dated in 2006-2007)
Quick snapshot
- Born 16 November 1984 in Bury, Greater Manchester (IMDb Biography)
- Best known for playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks (2001–2005, returning 2022) (Wikipedia)
- Engaged to Gorka Marquez since 2019 (The Standard)
- Two children: daughter Mia (born 2019) and son Thiago (born 2022) (Manchester Evening News)
- Exact net worth figure — no confirmed public disclosure (The Standard)
- Why Gorka Marquez skipped Strictly 2023 main series — BBC cited a “scheduled break” without further detail (BBC Media Centre)
- Specific circumstances of her father’s death — Gemma has spoken about grief but not released full public record (Manchester Evening News)
- Some online databases list conflicting relationship dates for her and Gorka Marquez; The Movie Database, for example, says the couple has been together since 2009 and engaged since 2012, which does not match the public timeline (The Movie Database)
- 2000-2005: First major acting role — Hollyoaks (Female.com.au)
- 2017: Strictly Come Dancing contestant — met Gorka Marquez (Becca Barr Management)
- 2019-2022: Two children and engagement (IMDb)
- 2023: Gorka skipped Strictly main series; focus on family and touring (The Standard)
- Continuing as weekday drivetime host on Hits Radio (Becca Barr Management)
- Growing her Gem & Tonic skincare brand (Becca Barr Management)
- Raising two young children with partner Gorka (Manchester Evening News)
Five key facts about her life and career, one pattern: Gemma Atkinson has consistently traded on public visibility — whether through soap fame, reality TV, or tabloid relationships — to build a durable career that now includes radio, fitness publishing, and beauty.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 November 1984, Bury, Greater Manchester, England |
| Occupation | Actress, radio presenter, glamour model, fitness enthusiast |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Notable TV credits | Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Strictly Come Dancing (contestant 2017) |
| Instagram followers | 2.1 million (as of 2025) |
Is Gemma Atkinson related to Rowan Atkinson?
No, there is no biological or known familial relationship between Gemma Atkinson and the Mr. Bean actor Rowan Atkinson. The shared surname is a coincidence. Genealogical research has not found any connection between the two families, and neither has publicly claimed a relation. Wikipedia lists no relatives in the entertainment industry for Gemma beyond her immediate family.
The implication: It’s a common question, but the answer is a clean no — two Atkinsons from different English regions, unrelated.
Who has Gemma Atkinson dated?
Did Ronaldo date Gemma Atkinson?
Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Gemma Atkinson dated briefly in 2006-2007. The relationship was covered extensively by tabloids at the time. Atkinson has since confirmed the relationship in interviews, describing it as a short-lived experience from her early twenties. Manchester Evening News covers her as a local celebrity and notes the relationship as part of her biography.
Who is Gemma Atkinson in a relationship with?
Gemma Atkinson is currently engaged to Gorka Marquez, the Spanish professional dancer best known for his role on Strictly Come Dancing. The couple met in 2017 when Atkinson was a contestant on the show and Marquez was her professional partner. They began a relationship in 2018 and announced their engagement in 2019. The Standard reported on the engagement and their growing family.
The pattern: A short-lived tabloid relationship with a global football star contrasts sharply with a stable, long-term partnership with a dancer. The media narrative around her romantic life has shifted from “Ronaldo’s girlfriend” to “Gorka’s fiancée and mother of his children.”
Are Gemma and Gorka still together?
Yes, Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez are still together. They are engaged and live as a family in Greater Manchester. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Mia, in 2019, and their second, son Thiago, in 2022. Manchester Evening News regularly covers their family life as local celebrities.
Where do Gemma and Gorka live now?
The couple resides in the Greater Manchester area, near where Atkinson grew up. They have described their home life as focused on parenting and work, with Marquez commuting for dance tours and television commitments.
What this means: The relationship is stable and publicly documented through social media, interviews, and local press. There is no indication of separation or strain.
How many children does Gemma Atkinson have?
Gemma Atkinson has two children: a daughter named Mia, born in July 2019, and a son named Thiago, born in July 2022. Both children are with fiancé Gorka Marquez. Atkinson has spoken openly about motherhood in interviews and on her social media platforms. The Standard reported on the birth of her second child.
The implication: Her family life is now a central part of her public identity, alongside her career.
What happened to Gemma Atkinson’s dad?
Gemma Atkinson’s father died when she was six years old. The specific cause has not been widely reported, and she has not released a full public record. However, Atkinson has spoken about the emotional impact of losing a parent at a young age in interviews, including on Loose Women in 2019. She has described the experience as formative and something that shaped her perspective on life and family. Manchester Evening News covers her as a local figure and has noted her comments about grief.
The trade-off: The lack of public detail means curiosity persists, but Atkinson has chosen to keep the specifics private while sharing the emotional legacy.
Why has Gorka quit Strictly?
Gorka Marquez did not participate in the 2023 main series of Strictly Come Dancing. According to the BBC, this was a “scheduled break” to allow Marquez to focus on his family and the touring show Strictly Come Dancing Live. No official detailed reason has been given beyond that. Marquez has not announced a permanent departure from the show. The Standard reported on the break as part of its coverage of the couple.
What this means: The absence is temporary and family-related, not a career exit. Fans can expect him to return when the timing works for his family.
Timeline signal
- 1984 — Born in Bury, Greater Manchester
- 2000-2005 — Played Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks
- 2006 — Dated Cristiano Ronaldo
- 2017 — Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing (partnered with Gorka Marquez)
- 2018 — Began relationship with Gorka Marquez
- 2019 — Birth of daughter Mia; engagement to Gorka
- 2022 — Birth of son Thiago
- 2023 — Gorka did not appear as pro dancer on Strictly main series
The pattern: Each milestone tracks a deliberate pivot from soap-opera fame into radio, family life, and entrepreneurship.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Gemma Atkinson is not related to Rowan Atkinson (genealogical research, no evidence) (Wikipedia)
- She dated Cristiano Ronaldo (confirmed by multiple tabloid reports and her own interview) (Female.com.au)
- She is engaged to Gorka Marquez (publicly announced 2019) (Wikipedia)
- She has two children: Mia (2019) and Thiago (2022) (IMDb)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure (no confirmed public disclosure)
- Why Gorka Marquez skipped Strictly 2023 (BBC cited “scheduled break”; no official detailed reason)
- Specific events surrounding father’s death (Gemma has shared emotional context but no full public record)
- Some online databases list relationship dates that conflict with the public record; The Movie Database shows a 2009 start and a 2012 engagement, while news reports place the relationship from 2018 and the engagement in 2019.
Gemma Atkinson’s career has outlasted the tabloid headlines that first made her a household name. She has moved from soap actress to radio host, fitness author, and skincare entrepreneur — all while raising two children with her fiancé. For readers wondering whether she is still relevant, the answer is yes: she now works in three different media formats and manages a growing brand portfolio.
The result: confirmed biography is strong, and the open questions sit mainly around figures and private details she has chosen not to publish.
Quotes and perspectives
“I was young and single. It was a short-lived thing, but it was a bit of fun.”
— Gemma Atkinson, on her relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester Evening News)
“Becoming a father has changed everything for me. I want to be the best role model I can be for my children.”
— Gorka Marquez, on fatherhood (The Standard)
“Losing a parent at a young age shapes you. It makes you appreciate the people you have.”
— Gemma Atkinson, on Loose Women (2019)
For all her public visibility, Atkinson keeps certain aspects of her life firmly private. The lack of a confirmed net worth figure and the limited detail around her father’s death mean that some questions will remain unanswered. For journalists and fans, the trade-off is clear: she shares what she chooses, and no more.
That boundary between openness and privacy is itself part of her public image.
Summary
Gemma Atkinson has built a career that extends far beyond the soap opera and tabloid romance that launched her into the public eye. She is now a radio host, fitness author, and skincare entrepreneur, balancing her professional life with raising two young children alongside fiancé Gorka Marquez. For the public wondering whether she is still a figure of interest, the implication is clear: Atkinson has successfully transitioned from tabloid subject to multi-platform media personality, and her story continues to evolve with each new project.
en.wikipedia.org, de.wikipedia.org, beccabarrmanagement.co.uk, gbnews.com, standard.co.uk, uk.headtopics.com, in.bookmyshow.com, manchestereveningnews.co.uk, emmerdale.fandom.com, dailyperspective.co.uk
For a deeper look into her early acting roles and rise to fame, explore Gemma Atkinsons career journey.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gemma Atkinson’s age?
She was born on 16 November 1984, making her 40 years old as of 2025.
Which soap operas has Gemma Atkinson been in?
She is best known for playing Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks (2001–2005, returning 2022) and Carly Hope in Emmerdale (2015–2017). She also appeared in Casualty as Tamzin Bayle.
How did Gemma Atkinson meet Gorka Marquez?
They met on the set of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, where she was a contestant and he was her professional dance partner. They began a relationship in 2018.
Does Gemma Atkinson still act?
She has not taken on major acting roles in recent years, focusing instead on radio presenting, fitness publishing, and her skincare brand. However, she has not ruled out returning to acting.
What is Gemma Atkinson’s net worth?
Her exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Estimates vary widely, but her income sources include radio presenting, book sales, brand partnerships, and her skincare line.
Does Gemma Atkinson have a podcast?
Yes, she co-hosts the podcast Lost in Translation with her partner Gorka Marquez.
Is Gemma Atkinson on Instagram?
Yes, she is active on Instagram with over 2.1 million followers as of 2025, where she shares updates about her family, work, and fitness journey.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.