Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez: Every family has chaos…we are all just winging it

Manchester born and bred radio presenter Gemma Atkinson and Spanish professional dancer Gorka Márquez share that although their lives might look fabulous and “glittery” on the screen, they are just “winging it” and navigating the chaos, just like everybody else.

The showbiz couple hope that opening up the lid on their personal lives, discussing their differences and airing their weekly grievances on their new Lost in Translation podcast will be relatable for other families and couples.

“I think it’s nice for people to know that every single family is having chaos,” says Atkinson, mum to six-year-old Mia and two-year-old Thiago. “Regardless of your situation, your profession, regardless of everything, we are all just winging it and hoping for the best.”

Her partner and Strictly Come Dancing pro Márquez agrees and adds: “I think people think that because we work in the public eye that everything is glittery, but we are just very normal and chaotic. We are also juggling the school run with breakfast and walking the dog, and people can relate to that.”

In a world of parent police and social media, the proud dad encourages new parents to just trust their instincts.

“There isn’t one rule book. Every situation is different, every family is different, every child is different. So, just go with your instincts and you will know what to do,” recommends the 35-year-old dancer.

One of the biggest lessons motherhood has taught Atkinson is to not sweat the small stuff.

“The amount of times I’ve done a school run looking like I’ve just been dragged through a hedge…but as long as my Mia looks lovely and she’s in clean clothes, I’m happy,” chuckles the 40-year-old radio presenter, who co-hosts the Hits Radio weekly drivetime show with Mike Toolan. “You become a lot less affected by people’s opinions, because you have a bigger, more important focus: that your kids are happy and healthy.

The mum-of-two also recognises that the dynamics between partners tend to shift after having children, but reassures other couples that change isn’t always a bad thing.

“Just take your time with it all,” advises Atkinson. “It’s a massive, massive thing having a baby. It’s all about just appreciating what you’ve created, what you’ve got, and knowing that just because it’s not the same as what it was, doesn’t mean it still can’t be brilliant. It’s just a new normal, a new dynamic and a new family.

“People often want everything to be the same as it was, because they fear that being different will be worse, and it’s not the case. Different doesn’t mean it’s something bad. It can be something just as wonderful and even better.”

“So, it’s nice for us to now have a day where we know we both take the kids to school and nursery, walk our dog Benji together, then go to the studio, have a coffee together on the way in and then get to chat and air our daily annoyances with each other, which is quite therapeutic.”

Márquez agrees and adds that despite their hectic schedules, proper quality time without phones is always a priority.

“A lot of our work happens on our phones, but when we are together, especially with the kids, we do try to put them on silence and leave them in the kitchen,” says the professional dancer. “Now Mia is six, she notices and says ‘Let’s play, why are you on your phone?’

“I feel like it doesn’t matter how much time you spend with your partner or your kids, what matters is that when you are with them, you are present. You could spend 24/7 together, but it doesn’t matter if you are not present.”

Carving out precious time to unwind, exercise and eat well has also been key to straddling their work-life balance.

“Our house is very zen. We have crystals, stretch mats and rolling balls and I think that’s what we have in common, we both want to thrive in terms of wellness,” says Atkinson. “Gorka will cook the most amazing healthy meals and we’ll both make time to get in the gym and get out walking. We live near lots of lovely nature walks, so we love getting out in the fresh air.

The broadcaster is also partial to an ice bath and enjoys pottering around the garden with a mug of coffee before she looks at her phone in the mornings.

“In the mornings I love an ice bath and, no matter what the weather, I always have a coffee outside and feed the birds, that’s a non-negotiable for me,” shares Atkinson. “I think that a lot of the time, people think to improve you have to speed up and do everything quicker. However, I think it’s actually about slowing down, simplifying stuff and stripping it back to the normal things.”

Lost in Translation is available to listen to on all podcast platforms.