Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez are contemplating a dramatically different way of life for their retirement years. The Strictly Come Dancing pair, who became a couple in 2018, presently reside in Gemma’s home city of Manchester with their two youngsters, Mia and Thiago.
Whilst predominantly settled there, Gorka also frequently travels to his homeland of Spain for professional engagements, which includes serving as a judge on the Spanish edition of Strictly. During the most recent instalment of their podcast, Lost In Translation, the radio host revealed her ambition to swap the fast-paced city environment for a more peaceful existence on a farm.
This conversation arose after Gorka recalled being around animals, including chickens and rabbits, at his grandmother’s property during his childhood.
After making clear that he didn’t shoot them with the pellet gun he referenced, the Strictly professional explained he actually targeted the pegs on his grandmother’s washing line.
“So then there was no pegs and she used to shout at us, ‘Where’s the pegs? !'” he chuckled.
After his revelation, Gemma suggested the prospect of farm living. She enquired: “Would you be up for one day retiring on a farm? Not a working farm, which I know there is a place for them, I do support the farmers if it’s done properly, but if we just had like a horse, maybe a miniature horse, a Shetland,” to which he responded: “No, a proper horse.
“We can get a Shetland as well,” she added: “A few goats and a few little micro pigs.”
Embracing the potential relocation, the dancer went on to propose they also cultivate their own fresh produce, drawing inspiration from what he witnessed his grandmother do.
The duo discussed their retirement vision after recently revealing aspirations to travel to Australia and New Zealand once their children reach adulthood. Sharing their contrasting perspectives, Gemma confessed she was apprehensive about watching the kids mature and find partners, particularly Thiago.
Citing the familiar adage, she said: “A daughter is a daughter all your life, but a son is a son until he finds his wife.
“Imagine when there’s another woman in his life other than me or it could be another man, we never know,” she added. “Whoever it is, a man or woman, I don’t want you to have him.”
By contrast, Gorka said he was looking forward to some freedom when their children are mature enough to be independent. He said of departing the UK: “I can’t wait for them to be over 18, so you and I can go to Australia for three weeks.”
Later in the episode, the pair disclosed that visiting New Zealand features on their “bucket list.”
Gemma added: “We have a friend who’s from New Zealand, and the pictures she posts, the scenery, I’d love to do the whale watching.”