Gemma Atkinson stunned after beautiful surprise baby shower
Gemma is expecting her second child
Last updated 25th Apr 2023
Gemma Atkinson was left stunned after she was surprised with a special baby shower. Hits Radio presenter Gemma is expecting a baby boy, her second child with her fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez.
The 38-year-old was surprised after her friends organised a special baby shower without her knowing. Gemma thought she was going to a meeting at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Ramsbottom, where she is president.
To Gemma's surprise, the ladies she camped with when completing a challenge for the CoppaFeel breast cancer charity had surprised her with a beautiful celebration. Sharing images of the day on Instagram, Gemma said: 'Wow! What an afternoon.
'My agent told me today I had a meeting with Bleakholt to sort our next open day. I arrived to a surprise baby shower hosted by Team Gemma. The incredible ladies I trekked with and camped with for a week on the @coppafeelpeople cancer charity challenge.
'To say I was shocked is an understatement. Since day one I knew each of these women were special. Each of their own individual fights and/or connections to that s* disease blows my mind. They are the most mentally strong group I've ever been around. As well as kind, funny and a tad crazy which I love.
'Today they drove from all over the country to my local village and it means so much. They even had a zoom set up at the end of the table for those that couldn't make it so they could join us. I've come home with SO many gifts for little man and Mia. They thought of everything.
'They thought of everything. We’re already planning our next hike up in the Lake District! I’ll always be thankful I said yes to that trek as it’s brought me life long friends.
'Thank you ladies, and thank you Duncan and Ian who also came especially! Their first ever baby shower. They were our camp leaders on the trek and we’ve made them part of Team Gemma ever since weather they like it or not. Thank you @heartsforhomescoffeeshop for being such lovely hosts.'
I'm A Celebrity winner Giovanna Fletcher, who has also taken part in CoppaFeel treks, commented: 'I LOVE THIS!!!!!! Beautiful!!!!' and AljaĹľ Ĺ korjanec, who partnered Gemma on Strictly Come Dancing, added: 'Beautiful.'
You can listen to Gemma and Mike Toolan on Hits Radio every weekday from 4pm to 7pm.
Take a look at Gemma Atkinson's career journey so far:
Hollyoaks (2001 - 2006)
Gemma Atkinson played the role of Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2005. Gemma also appeared in its spin-off shows, Hollyoaks: After Hours, Hollyoaks: Let Loose and Hollyoaks: In the City, between 2004 and 2006. In 2002 Gemma was nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.
Hollyoaks: Let Loose (2005)
In 2005, Gemma Atkinson appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off series about Ben Davies and Lisa Hunter as they leave Hollyoaks for a new life.
Soapstar Superstar (2007)
Gemma appeared in Soapstar Superstar in 2007 and reached the last four. On the show she performed songs by P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Sting.
Celebrity Weakest Link and Celebrity MasterChef (2006)
In 2006, Gemma took part in Celebrity Weakest Link along with Hollyoaks co-star Marcus Patric. The same year she also competed on Celebrity MasterChef against the likes of Midge Ure and Craig Revel Horwood, with Nadia Sawalha winning the series.
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! (2007)
Gemma took part in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! back in 2007, finishing the series in fifth place.
TV appearances (2008)
Gemma appeared on several TV shows in 2008 including Celebrity Mastermind, All Star Family Fortunes and Jack Osbourne's show Adrenaline Junkie. Gemma also made her computer game debut on Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, playing the role of Lt. Eva McKenna, a character she reprised for the sequel, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising.
Devil's Pass (2013)
In 2013, Gemma appeared as Denise Evers in the film Devil's Pass. The film was about a group of students, who visited the location of the Dyatlov pass incident, to make a documentary.
The Dyatlov pass incident was a real event where experienced hikers went missing in uncertain circumstances. That same year she also appeared in a remake of Night of the Living Dead.
Emmerdale (2015 - 2017)
For two years, Gemma played the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, Emmerdale won Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Gemma was also nominated for Sexiest Female in the 2016 Inside Soap Awards.
Started acting role in Fever (2016)
Gemma starred in the Indian suspense thriller Fever, starring alongside Caterina Murino and Ankita Makwana. As part of the Emmerdale cast, Gemma won Best Soap at the TV Choice Awards in 2016. The actress also became vice-patron of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Lancashire.
Key 103 Breakfast Show (2017)
In 2017, Gemma Atkinson turned her talents to radio presenting and joined Mike Toolan on the Key 103 Breakfast Show (now Hits Radio). The pair presented the show until May 2018.
Gemma then carried on with the breakfast show on the newly-named Hits Radio until she went on leave to have her baby daughter in 2019.
Strictly Come Dancing (2017)
Gemma was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Gemma and Aljaž ended the show as runner ups, narrowly missing out to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones. Gemma also met her future fiancé Gorka Marquez on the show.
Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan book (2018)
Not only is Gemma a presenter and actor, but she is also an author. Gemma released a book of recipes and workout plans called The Ultimate Body Plan in 2018 and went on a book tour around England and Wales.
Gemma presents the drivetime show on Hits Radio (2020)
After having Mia, Gemma returned to radio to present the home time show on Hits Radio in 2020.
Gemma Atkinson reunited with Mike Toolan on Hits Radio (2022)
Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan were reunited on the radio in 2022. The pair now present the drivetime show on Hits Radio.
Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums book (2022)
After releasing her first book in 2018, Gemma followed it up with a second book in 2022 called The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums based on her own experiences as a new mother getting back into exercising.
Gemma Atkinson returns to Hollyoaks (2022)
Fans were excited when Gemma returned to Hollyoaks in 2022, 16 years after leaving the show, calling it a 'trip down memory lane'. Reprising her role as Lisa Hunter, she was back on the soap for two episodes.
Teasing her character's return, Gemma said: 'She's only back for a short amount of time, but you all know in Hollyoaks you can do a lot of damage in a short time.'
Gemma Atkinson presents The Toddler Club (2022)
Gemma joined kids' TV show The Toddler Club on CBeebies as a presenter alongside Nigel Clarke in April 2022. She drew from her own experience as a mum and revealed that before joining the programme she: "Found comfort and reassurance watching programmes such as The Baby Club and The Toddler Club."
Gemma Atkinson releases Activewear range (2023)
In January 2023, Gemma released her Activewear range with In The Style. The range features leggings, half-zip tops, sports tops, joggers and more, in sizes 6 - 24.
Gemma Atkinson lands her own TV show with fiancé Gorka Marquez
Following the birth of their second child in July 2023, Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Marquez announced they'd landed their very own TV show called Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens. The three-part series, which aired on W and UKTV Play, provided viewers with an unfiltered look at their lives as they prepared to welcome their second child, as well as being working parents.
After a successful first series, it was announced in January 2024 that the show had been renewed for a second series, which began on Monday 6th May.
Gemma Atkinson announces new podcast The Overshare
Gemma Atkinson launches her new podcast The Overshare on 21st September. The Hits Radio presenter will be talking with listeners for the most jaw-dropping, tear-jerking stories and some proper laugh-out-loud moments.
Gemma Atkinson released first children's book Dogs Don't Dance
In February 2024, Gemma teamed up with illustrator Lisa Hunt to release her first ever children's book Dogs Don't Dance.
The book's description reads: 'This confidence-building picture book is all about trying new things, embracing difference, encouraging our friends and defying stereotypes. Dave the dog wants to dance, but the wise pooches at the park bark in shock.'
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