Gemma Atkinson shares heartbreaking news her dog Ollie has died
Just months after the passing of Norman
Last updated 11th Dec 2024
Hits Radio drivetime presenter Gemma Atkinson has announced the sad passing of her beloved dog Ollie. Gemma, who lost her other dog Norman earlier this year, shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Sharing a video montage of Ollie over the years, Gem told her followers: 'Sleep well beautiful Ollie. The most gentle, affectionate and loving soul. We knew deep down after Norman you wouldn’t wait long because you were inseparable and I know how much you must have missed him.
'The loyalty, love and companionship of 2 dogs for 14 years. How lucky I am to have had that. Before Gorka, Mia & Tio it was just us, spending many a weekend in bed with a movie after a long walk exploring. And when our family expanded you shared your love and loyalty without hesitation, because that’s what dogs do.
'The sadness of losing you both so close together is a lot, but I know you’re both somewhere running free in long grass or on a beach chasing the tide care free, pain free and happy. That’s what I’m taking comfort in right now.
'I’ll remember you for the rest of my life. Norman and Ollie. My 2 best boys. Reunited. ❤️❤️'. (sic)
Gemma's friends, family and followers were quick to comment on the sad post, sending their condolences.
Strictly's Amy Dowden wrote: 'Sending all my love to you all', with soap actress Gemma Merna writing: 'Sending so much love'. Make-up artist Lisa Armstrong then added: 'Sending you all my love'.
Gemma updated her followers just last week on Ollie's health, revealing the 14-year-old pooch had deteriorated in recent months.
She wrote: 'Old boy Ollie ❤️ Plodding on and making the most of being able to sleep most of the day. Ollie has a review with the vet soon. His hearing and eye site has deteriorated a lot, as have his back legs. And most mornings now he wakes needing a wash due to going to the toilet in the night without knowing. Mum came down to a lot of mess the other morning and he couldn’t get up without her lifting him. He was just lay in it all 😔.
'It’s so hard with senior dogs. You wish they could just say to you either “don’t worry, I look like I’m struggling but I’m pain free and happy” Or “I’m in pain now, please help me”
'He doesn’t see or hear me coming home from work now, this is how I have to slowly let him know I’m there until he comes around. Every now and again he’ll have a burst of energy and spin around the garden, it’s crazy the ups and downs we have with them. Angels on earth that’s for sure'. (sic)
The sad news of Ollie's passing comes just months after Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Márquez had to make the heartbreaking decision to put down her other dog Norman.
In early July, Gemma opened up to her co-host Mike Toolan on Hits Radio, where she said: "I had to say goodbye to my wonder dog Norman over the weekend.
"You have to be their voice throughout their whole life, make their decisions, you know, help them and had I gone a day longer, not making that awful decision, I would have been doing Norm disjustice and I had always put him first and not me. Although, selfishly I still want him here."
"The dogs find you, I always say. You don't find the dog, they find you."
Our thoughts are with Gemma, Gorka, Mia and Thiago at this sad time. ❤️
When can you hear Gemma and Mike on Hits Radio?
Gemma and Mike present the drivetime show on Hits Radio, every weekday from 4pm.
Check out Gemma and Gorka's relationship timeline below:
2017 - September: Gemma took part in Strictly Come Dancing
Gemma signed up to be a contestant on series 15 of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. She was paired with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
2017 - September: Gorka appeared as a pro on Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka appeared for the second year as a professional on the 15th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. He was paired with former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
2017 - September-December: Sparks flew behind the scenes at Strictly
Despite not being paired together on the show, Gemma and Gorka were hitting it off backstage at Strictly. Despite the pair shutting down dating rumours and insisting they were just good friends, the pair spent NYE together in December 2017, at the gym!
2018 - January: Gemma and Gorka head on the Strictly tour
Whilst touring the UK on the Strictly tour at the beginning of 2018, Gemma and Gorka were able to spend even more time together, enjoying a number of dates.
2018 - February: Gemma and Gorka confirm they are dating
On Valentine's Day in 2018, Gemma delighted her fans by confirming she was now officially dating the Spanish dancer! Gem posted this cute snap to her Instagram page alongside the caption: 'Here's to many more kid. Happy Valentines Day 😘'.
2018 - July: Gemma and Gorka spend their first holiday together
Love birds Gemma and Gorka spent 10 days in Greece in July 2018, in what was the couple's first holiday abroad together. Gemma documented the trip on Instagram, telling fans: 'Had the best 10 days in Greece 🇬🇷 Gorgeous food, beautiful beaches and the best travel companion I could ask for @gorka_marquez I Love making fun memories with you, thanks for an Amazing holiday kid ❤️'. (sic)
2018 - December: Gorka introduces Gemma to Bilbao
Gemma travelled to Gorka's home town of Bilbao, Spain in December 2018. Whilst there, the couple visited Gorka's old school, local parks, and his mum's beach house.
2019 - February: Gemma and Gorka celebrate one year together
Gemma took to social media to share this cute picture of the pair as they celebrate one whole year as a couple! She wrote: 'This last year has flown by... but what a year it's been and man how far we've come 🥰'. (sic)
2019 - February: Gemma and Gorka announce they are expecting their first child
In early February 2019, Gemma announced the amazing news that she was pregnant with Gorka's baby! Sharing this snap of her two dogs, Gemma told fans: 'And what Amazing big brothers they will be! Myself & Gorks are beyond excited and happy and feel incredibly blessed to be meeting our new family member later this year. Baby Marquez!!! We love you loads already ❤️🤰 @gorka_marquez'. (sic)
2019 - July: Gemma and Gorka welcome their first child together
Gemma and Gorka became parents for the first time in July 2019, welcoming the adorable Mia Louise into the world. The proud parents shared this cute photo on Instagram to introduce her to the world.
2020 - February: Gemma and Gorka celebrate two years together
On the 5th February 2020, Gemma took to social media to share a gushing tribute to Gorka in celebration of the pair's two-year anniversary.
She wrote: '2 years ago today you asked me to "be your girlfriend" I'm glad I said yes ❤️ Thanks for everything Gorks. For being so kind and patient (even when I was mean whenever I was hungry during the last trimester) 😂 We've done a lot so far but there's so much more to come and I can't wait! I feel super lucky, loved and appreciated and it's because of you @gorka_marquez'. (sic)
2020 - March: Gemma and Gorka spend lockdown together
As the UK went into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gemma and Gorka spent valuable time together alongside their baby girl Mia.
Sharing her appreciation for the time they were able to spend together, Gem told fans: 'Since me and Gorks got together our whole relationship has technically been long distance. The first year living in separate cities followed by us moving in together but his tours and Strictly taking him away for weeks at a time. He was away on tour for 3wks when Mia was just 2 days old. I keep reminding myself of that in this lockdown. Although the circumstances aren't great for anyone, we're never going to get this length of time together in one go again. Ever. We're making the most of it and yes its kind of annoying when he watches Spanish news really loud because they talk SO fast 😂 but I'm glad that he's my "cell mate" in all of this. I wouldn't be locked down with anyone else ❤️'. (sic)
2021 - February: Gemma and Gorka celebrate three years together
Gemma and Gorka celebrated their three-year anniversary on 5th February 2021. Gem posted this cute photo to her Instagram page.
2021 - February: Gemma and Gorka announce their engagement
Just one week after their three-year anniversary, Gorka proposed to Gemma on Valentine's Day in 2021! Gem shared this photo to show off her stunning engagement ring, writing: 'Valentine's forever... Of course I said yes ❤️'. (sic)
2022 - February: Gemma and Gorka celebrate four years together
Another year, another soppy anniversary post! On 5th February 2022, Gemma shared a cute video of her time with Gorka, writing: '4 years. You lucky sod 😜'. (sic)
2022 - September: Gemma shows her support for Gorka on Strictly
During the 2022 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Gemma publicly showed her support for Gorka and his celeb partner, Helen Skelton. Sharing this snap of the pair on the dancefloor, Gem wrote: 'C'mon!!! 🙌🏼 Go out there and shine Helen! 🌟 You're gonna have the most Amazing time on Strictly! Will be rooting for you both 👏🏼'. (sic)
2022 - December: Gemma and Gorka visit Bilbao with Mia
The couple visited Gorka's hometown of Bilbao during the festive period in 2022, with their daughter Mia alongside them.
2023 - January: Gemma and Gorka announce they are expecting their second child
In mid-January 2023, Gemma delighted her fans by announcing she was pregnant with the couple's second baby!
Gem shared a number of cute photos alongside Gorka and Mia, revealing they were expecting a boy! She said: 'Impossible to hide my belly any longer. I've officially "popped." 😂 Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year 💙We feel so incredibly blessed and Grateful to be on this journey again. Mia is absolutely thrilled! Although we may need to do some negotiating on names, as so far she's adamant he's going to be called Barbie. 😂💙'. (sic)
2023 - July: Gemma and Gorka welcome their second child
On 19th July 2023, Gemma informed her Instagram followers that she'd given birth to the couple's second child, a healthy baby boy!
She wrote: 'Little man is here! He arrived safe and sound and he's utterly wonderful. Mia is already the mother hen we expected her to be. We're all home together soaking up this lovely little bubble before Gorks has to leave for Strictly rehearsals next week. Thank you for the lovely well wishes. Our family is complete'.
2023 - July: Gemma and Gorka introduce their son to the world
Just days after announcing his birth, Gemma took to Instagram to share the first photo of her son, revealing he's called Thiago Thomas Marquez.
2023 - August: Gemma and Gorka land their very own TV show
Gemma and Gorka confirmed they'd landed their own documentary called Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens, providing an unfiltered look at their lives as they prepared to welcome their second child, as well as being working parents. The three-part series aired on W and UKTV Play from 30th August.
In January 2024, news was confirmed the show had been renewed for a second series, airing in 2024.
2024 - January: Gemma shuts down split rumours
Following a number of rumours in the press that Gemma and Gorka were going through a 'rough patch' in their relationship, Gem took to her Instagram to reply to fan to reveal the stories were completely untrue, admitting they were totally smitten.
2024 - February: Gemma and Gorka celebrate six years together
On Monday 5th February, Gemma and Gorka celebrated their six-year anniversary! The pair both posted cute tributes to each other on social media, expressing their love and gratitude for each other.
2024 - May: Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens series two
Following a successful first series, Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens was renewed for a second series, starting on Monday 6th May 2024.
2024 - November: Gorka pays gushing tribute as Gemma turns 40
On 16th November 2024, as Gemma turned 40-years-old, Gorka shared a number of photos of the pair together. He wrote: 'HAPPYBIRTHDAY baby!!!! 🎉🎉😍40 never looked better to me. I was supposed to get you a gift but I am the one who got it.🫣Can't wait to celebrate your big day with you. Thank you for all what you do for our little Famila.❤️We love you so much!!' As if you are freakin 40 😍😂'.
2025 - May: Gemma and Gorka welcome a new puppy
Following the sad passing of their dogs Ollie and Norman in 2024, in May 2025, Gemma and Gorka decided to welcome a new puppy into their lives. Taking to social media, the pair introduced a Goldendoodle called Benji.
2025 - October: Gemma and Gorka launch their own podcast
Gemma and Gorka launched their first ever podcast together in October 2025, called Lost In Translation. Episodes are now dropping weekly.