Gemma Atkinson: From Glamour Model To Fitness Model To Mum
Gemma Atkinson: From glamour model to fitness model to mum – we’re looking at the actress’ transition from modelling to motherhood.
The UK soapstar’s career has skyrocketed in recent years after she headed onto the Strictly floor in 2017 and danced her way into the final.
Image Source/Manchester Evening News
More recently, the former Hollyoaks’ (UK soap) star revealed that she has given birth to her first child with boyfriend Gorka Marquez – here’s her story.
Where Did She Start Out?
Born in November 1984, Gemma was introduced to the acting world at the age of 17 when she landed the role of Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks.
After five years of the lovable Lisa, Gemma launched her parallel career as a glamour model – and it was pretty successful!
Image Source/Celebs Now
Because of her appearance in risque lingerie shoots for magazines including FHM, Loaded, Zoo and Nuts, Atkinson made FHM’s infamous 100 Sexiest Women list, debuting at number 32 in 2006. A year later, it appeared that our Gem got even sexier, bumping up to position 23, before rising again in 2008 to number 18.
Taking a break from her modelling career, Gemma returned to the soap world in 2015, where she played Tamzin Bayle on Casualty (2011–12, 2014) before landing the role of Carly Hope on Emmerdale (2015–17).
Moving From Glamour To Fitness…
If you follow the actress on Instagram (which you totally should), you might’ve seen her flexed muscles or her 6am pre-workout alarm calls. And it was the positive influence of her ex-boyfriend and English soccer player Adam Smith – who things ended with in 2008 – that helped Gemma to get in good shape.
She revealed:
“I got my fitness mojo back at 22 when I learnt about nutrition. Over the past six years I’ve completely changed my lifestyle. My partner and I train together and cook healthy meals, and I only drink alcohol on special occasions. His six-pack motivates me too!”
She’s The Fittest She’s Been…
Gemma adds:
“I know it’s difficult for women with children, as time is limited. If you set aside just 20 minutes a day, you’ll reap the rewards. You’ll get fit and healthy, have more energy, your skin will improve, you’ll sleep better and feel more positive.”
Image Source/Instagram
In spite of admitting she had breast enlargement surgery to improve her glamour modelling career, Gem now admits she’s she happiest she’s ever been in her body.
“I’m the happiest, most confident I’ve ever been. I’ve got so much energy. I wake up feeling ready to go, rather than thinking, ‘I’m so tired, I can’t face anything!’”
She’s Also Been Busy Book-Writing
Gemma not only hits the gym 6 times a week, but she also wanted to help other women change their own lives. So, like any well-versed celebrity fitness fanatic, in 2018, she released her first book ‘The Ultimate Body Plan’, where she detailed her fitness regime, as well as providing readers with 75 delicious recipes!
Image Source/Instagram
She reveals:
“I’m looking forward to helping women feel and look their best – to boost someone’s confidence is brilliant. The important thing is to be strong and lean yet feminine, not too skinny or muscly. I don’t think it’s attractive.”
Gemma hasn’t always felt confident in her body, during her Hollyoaks years, she explained that she became depressed about her size:
“I went up to a size 12-14 and was about 10st, which is lighter than I am now, but it was fat rather than muscle.
“A size 12-14 isn’t big, but it was more about how I felt. I hated my legs, and I felt down about how I looked.”
Who Has Gemma Dated?
Like with any celebrity, comes a (often long) list of celeb exes. It’s no different when it comes to Gemma Atkinson – it seems she’s had her fair share of famous boyfriends!
She’s previously dated none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, singer Lee Ryan, footballer Adam Smith and her Emmerdale co-star Cleveland Campbell. Before she met her now-boyfriend Gorka, she was in a relationship with personal trainer Olly Foster.
Image Source/Tie Breaker
When Did She Start Dating Gorka?
For obvious reasons, Gemma’s love life has hit the headlines time after time.
After joining Strictly in 2017 and being partnered with Alijaz Skorjanec, Gemma was continuously linked to co-star Gorka.
After months of being constantly asked if the pair were dating, Gorka and Gem FINALLY confirmed their relationship – two months after the show had ended.
Image Source/Instagram
Gemma shared a snap the couple on her Instagram as they sat on the beach. She wrote:
“Here’s to many more kid. Happy Valentines Day @gorka_marquez.”
When Did The Baby Arrive?
On Thursday 4th July, Gemma shared the happy news that her and Gorka had become parents for the very first time.
She wrote on her Instagram:
“And just like that, we’re a three!
“Our beautiful baby daughter arrived on Thursday 4th July and myself and Gorks couldn’t be happier.
“She’s incredible and she certainly made an entrance, giving us all quite a fright at times!“Little Miss independent already! Thank you SO much to the nurses & doctors at The Royal Bolton Hospital who did the most incredible job taking care of myself and my baby.
Image Source/Instagram
“You’re all so wonderful and I’m so grateful to have had you all with me.
“Back home now for family time and to introduce little lady to her big brothers Norman & Ollie…. Let the next life chapter begin @gorka_marquez.”