Strictly Star Criticizes ‘Snide’ Remark Following Brutal Accent Mocking

Gemma Atkinson recently opened up about the harsh criticisms she faced regarding her Mancunian accent. The 41-year-old actress, originally from Bury in Greater Manchester, has been vocal about the “snide” remarks made by some men on social media. Her partner, Gorka Marquez, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, defended her accent on their podcast, “Lost in Translation.”

Gorka Marquez’s Support

During the podcast, Gorka expressed his affection for Gemma’s accent. He shared how he finds it amusing when she refers to their home as “me house.” Gorka remarked, “I love it. I find it very cute when you speak like that,” highlighting that her accent is one of the qualities that attracted him to her.

• Gorka Marquez praised Gemma’s accent as cute and charming.
• He emphasized that her way of speaking is one of the aspects that drew him to her.

Criticism of Her Accent

Despite Gorka’s support, Gemma revealed that she had received numerous negative comments about her accent. “People used to message me and say, ‘You’re really fit until you start talking, but we can’t deal with your accent,’” she recounted. This criticism prompted her to think about the inconsistency of such remarks, stating, “How snide, you’ve not even spoken and you’re not attractive.”

Personal Reflection

Gemma opened up about her hesitance to marry Gorka, attributing her feelings to the memory of her father, David, who passed away at the age of 52. She noted, “I think one of the reasons we’ve not done it yet is because of you.” Gemma expressed how significant her father was to her and how his absence weighs on her decision.

• Gemma’s father died when she was just 17.
• She feels a strong connection to her family name and the legacy of her father.

Gorka has noted that they are waiting for the right time to marry, particularly when their son, Thiago, becomes more independent. “We will do it; it’s just not at the moment,” he explained. They prefer to focus on their children before planning a wedding.

Despite the criticisms Gemma has faced, her relationship with Gorka appears strong. Both share a deep bond, and Gorka appreciates the very aspects of Gemma that others mock. This support plays a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by public scrutiny.