Gemma Atkinson has shared the one instruction she gives to Gorka Márquez's Strictly Come Dancing partners - and it has nothing to do with dance.

Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma, 39, starred on the BBC show in 2017 with her partner Aljaž Škorjanec, so she knows all too well how intense it can get.

And now Gorka, 33 has revealed the advice she gives to contestants when it comes to being paired with the Spanish dancer.

Speaking to OK!, he laughed: "She gives them [contestants] tips on how to deal with me."

Gemma said: "I also say to them, it goes so quick. That’s the one thing I learned from Strictly, so go for it and enjoy it. And I tell them, 'If he gives you any grief, WhatsApp me and I’ll sort him."

The couple met on Strictly in 2017
Gemma Atkinson has shared the advice she gives to Gorka Márquez's Strictly Come Dancing partners

Gorka continued: "The previous year with Helen [Skelton], there was one week which involved a really tough dance, and I was speaking to Helen on the phone, and Gemma said, 'Helen, he’s lovely, but sometimes, you need to tell him to go have a minute.'"

Gemma then added: "She did, and it worked!"

Gorka was paired with radio presenter Nikita Kanda on the last series, but they were eliminated in the early stages.

On Strictly Come Dancing, Gemma danced with Aljaz Skorjanec who introduced her to his friend Gorka Marquez
Gemma was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec when she did the show in 2017

He said: "I loved it, and it’s such a privilege to be called back every year, because it’s the best show on telly.

"I’m so grateful as it’s just so fun! Nikita didn’t have any dance experience and she started radio at 6am, came to me at 12pm, and gave everything."

Gemma and Gorka first met when she appeared on Strictly over six years ago.

Gorka was paired with radio presenter Nikita Kanda on the last series of Strictly
Gorka was paired with radio presenter Nikita Kanda on the last series of Strictly
The couple are parents to Mia, four, and seven-month-old Thiago
Gemma and Gorka are parents to Mia, four, and seven-month-old Thiago

Although the couple weren’t dance partners, they admitted that after clocking each other in rehearsals, they knew they fancied each other.

Gorka said he immediately thought Gemma was “hot” and fortunately for him, the feeling was mutual, with Gemma going home that evening and texting her friend, “I’m gonna pipe the Spanish one!”

The pair, who live together in Manchester, got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021.

They're now parents to daughter Mia, four, and seven-month-old Thiago, and last year recorded their own reality show Gemma & Gorka: Life Behind The Lens which aired on W Channel.