Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez was reduced to tears during an emotional moment on his podcast with partner Gemma Atkinson.
The 35-year-old Spanish dancer became visibly moved when Ms Atkinson surprised him with a pre-recorded video message from their six-year-old daughter Mia ahead of Father’s Day this Sunday.
The touching scene played out on the couple’s Lost In Translation podcast, which aired on June 17.
Ms Atkinson, who first met Mr Marquez when she competed on the BBC dancing competition in 2017, introduced the clip as a “little message” for her fiancé.
The pair, who became engaged in 2021, share two children together: Mia and three-year-old son Thiago.
Ms Atkinson encouraged listeners who are “lucky enough” to have a father to make the most of the occasion.
In the heartwarming video, Mia rattled off her top five favourite things about her father. “Hi Papa. Happy Father’s Day. We love you. Love Mia and Thiago, not Mummy,” she began playfully.
The youngster described Mr Atkinson as “an amazing dad” and “super,” while also praising him for being “helpful” and for teaching his children.
She concluded by insisting that her younger brother Thiago would share all her opinions.
“You know Thiago will think everything I think because he’s my brother and you’re his dad,” Mia explained.
“But also, because you’re super and also because he agrees with everything that I say.”
Mr Marquez was visibly overcome with emotion as he wiped away tears, telling Ms Atkinson the surprise was unfair.
“That’s not fair! You should do that at the end, not now,” he protested to his partner.
Ms Atkinson revealed she had secretly filmed their daughter’s message while Mr Marquez was sleeping.
“I was doing that the other morning,” she explained. “I was like, ‘quick, while he’s asleep, we need to do this.'”
The former Hollyoaks actress wrapped up by wishing all fathers a happy day on Sunday, hoping they would be thoroughly spoiled by their families.
The emotional podcast moment comes just months after Mr Marquez confirmed he would be leaving Strictly following a decade with the programme.
The dancer announced his departure in April, stating it was “time to hang up my dance shoes” and bid farewell to the BBC show.
In his statement, Mr Marquez expressed gratitude for how Strictly had allowed him to build a career from his passion, find love, start a family, and forge lifelong friendships.
He hinted at a possible future return, suggesting he hopes to “hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way” as a judge.
His exit formed part of a wider cast overhaul, with fellow professionals Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Luba Mushtuk also departing.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will take over presenting duties when Strictly returns in September.
