When Gemma Atkinson stepped onto the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards in a sleek white gown, she didn’t expect to become the story. The Gemma Atkinson, a Hits Radio presenter and longtime public figure, wore a strapless, fitted dress with lace detailing at the hem, paired with a black Chanel clutch and a British flag-patterned umbrella — an elegant, if unconventional, choice for an awards night honoring civilian heroes. But online critics didn’t see elegance. They saw a wedding dress. And they accused her of trying to steal the spotlight.
"I Didn’t Plan a Wedding"
"He got me a lovely dress," Gemma Atkinson said on her joint podcast Lost In Translation, referring to her stylist Ryan. "It was all white and fitted at the top, and all, like, lace at the bottom. And a few people messaged me to say I’d purposely planned to wear a wedding gown to steal attention from the nominees." Her tone wasn’t defensive — it was weary. Like she’d been here before. And she had. The backlash wasn’t just loud; it was personal. Women in the public eye are often policed for what they wear, especially when they’re engaged but unmarried. The white dress, a symbol so deeply coded in Western culture, triggered assumptions — not about style, but about intent.
"He Fiercely Defended Me"
Enter Gorka Marquez, her fiancé since 2021 and a Strictly Come Dancing professional since 2016. Though no direct quotes from his defense were published, sources describe his response as "fierce." And it didn’t come from a place of anger — it came from loyalty. The two have built a life together, blending careers, children, and a quiet rebellion against societal expectations. They’re not in a rush to marry. And they’re not sorry for it.
"We will do it, it’s just not at the moment," Gorka Marquez told the Express in January. "We are very good like this, especially with having the kids. Thiago is not independent yet, so we don’t want to go into the wedding and be carrying him or halfway through the wedding he starts screaming that he only wants Mummy, you know?!" That line — casual, real, and utterly human — captured why their delay isn’t a mystery. It’s a choice. A parenting choice. And it’s not rare, just rarely celebrated.
Who Are They, Really?
Gemma Atkinson, born in Bury, Greater Manchester in 1984, started as a model before becoming a radio host and TV personality. Gorka Marquez, a Spanish ballroom dancer from Santander, joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite for his precision and charm. Together, they co-parent at least two children, with Thiago being the youngest. Their relationship has been under a microscope since their engagement, with tabloids framing their delay as "heartbreaking" — as if love needs a legal stamp to be valid.
The Pride of Britain Awards, produced by GMTV Productions and broadcast on ITV, honors everyday heroes — firefighters, teachers, caregivers. It’s not a fashion show. But in today’s media landscape, even a red carpet moment can turn into a moral panic. The dress wasn’t a wedding gown. It was a dress. And yet, the internet decided otherwise.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about a dress. It’s about how society treats women who don’t conform to timelines — especially when they’re mothers. Atkinson didn’t ask for a spotlight. She didn’t plan a wedding. She wore what she liked. And the backlash? It wasn’t about the dress. It was about control. Control over her body, her choices, her narrative. Marquez’s quiet, fierce defense isn’t just romantic — it’s radical. In a world that tells women to hurry up, get married, have babies, and look perfect doing it, their refusal to rush is a quiet act of resistance.
The stylist, Ryan, remains unnamed beyond his first name. The exact number of social media comments? Unreported. The venue? Not disclosed. But what’s clear is this: the real story isn’t the gown. It’s the couple’s refusal to perform for an audience that doesn’t understand their life.
What’s Next?
They’re waiting for Thiago to be more independent. That’s it. No grand announcement. No wedding date. Just a parent’s patience. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most beautiful thing about them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did people think Gemma Atkinson’s dress was a wedding gown?
White dresses, especially fitted styles with lace, are culturally associated with weddings in the UK and US. Critics assumed intent based on tradition, not context. Atkinson’s dress had no train, veil, or traditional bridal embellishments — it was a modern, elegant gown. But in an age of viral outrage, assumptions often replace facts.
How has the public reacted to Gorka Marquez’s defense of Gemma?
Many fans praised Marquez for standing by Atkinson, calling his support "refreshing" in a culture that often blames women for online criticism. Others dismissed the backlash as trivial, noting that celebrities face disproportionate scrutiny for minor fashion choices. The couple’s podcast listeners largely rallied behind them, appreciating their honesty about parenting challenges.
Why haven’t Gorka and Gemma married yet?
They’ve stated publicly that they’re prioritizing their children’s stability. Their youngest, Thiago, still needs significant care, and they don’t want a wedding day disrupted by his needs. They’re content as an engaged couple and see marriage as a formality, not a milestone. Their approach challenges the idea that marriage is necessary for legitimacy in relationships.
Is this the first time Gemma Atkinson faced criticism for her fashion choices?
No. Atkinson has faced scrutiny before — from her early modeling days to her Strictly Come Dancing appearances. In 2020, she was criticized for wearing a red dress to a children’s charity event. Critics claimed it was "too bold." Her response then? "I’m not here to be invisible." She’s consistent: she dresses for herself, not for the internet.
Do other celebrities delay marriage for similar reasons?
Yes. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and even Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have spoken about delaying formalities for family reasons. But public figures like Atkinson and Marquez rarely get credit for it. Their choice is framed as "not ready," not as a thoughtful, child-centered decision — highlighting a double standard in how mothers are judged.
What’s the significance of the British flag umbrella?
It was likely a practical choice — the event was held outdoors in unpredictable British weather — but it became symbolic. Some interpreted it as a patriotic statement; others, as a distraction. In reality, it was probably just a rainy-day accessory. But in today’s media, even an umbrella gets politicized.