Strictly’s Gorka Márquez admits dad guilt struggle in first look at new series Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens
GORKA Márquez has revealed he struggles with dad guilt thanks to his very busy work schedule as a professional dancer.
The Strictly Come Dancing star opened up in a first look clip at their new TV show, Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens.
Gorka, 32, just welcomed second child Thiago with Gemma Atkinson, 38 – with the pair already sharing daughter Mia, four.
But ahead of the birth of their son, he admitted he did find it tricky to juggle his dancing work and his family life.
He said: “Being a parent I think is the best thing.
“Apart from all the material things, having a good life together as a family – I just love it.
“It’s hard for me because I am away quite a lot with my job so sometimes I feel like I’m missing some of the best things of parenthood.
“When Mia was born I was on tour, came home for the labour and the birth and then three days after I had to go again.
“Hopefully this time around we’ll have more time together.”
Gemma and Gorka filmed a fly-on-the-wall series while Gemma was still pregnant with baby Thiago, who was born last month.
The new three-part documentary series follows Gemma’s journey after she fell pregnant for a second time.
Following the birth, she confirmed that dad Gorka would only have minimal time with his newborn son before heading off to film for the BBC competition.
The actress announced the news on her social media, writing: “Little man is here. He arrived safe and sound and he’s utterly wonderful. Mia is already the mother hen we expected her to be.
“We’re all home together soaking up this lovely little bubble before Gorks has to leave for Strictly rehearsals next week.
“Thank you for all your lovely well-wishes. Our family is complete.”
Gemma And Gorka: Life Behind The Lens aims to raise awareness of the difficulties behind pregnancy and giving birth.
Despite having a healthy four-year-old, Gemma was told she was “high risk” after her difficult first birth with daughter Mia.
The star lost pints of blood when welcoming her daughter, seeing her fiance Gorka break down in tears as doctors battled to save her.
It happened in 2019 when Gemma was forced to have an emergency Ceasarean when her unborn daughter Mia’s heart rate dropped suddenly.
“My first birth was a traumatic one,” Gemma told MailOnline.
“They gave me a form about blood transfusions that asked if one of us had to be saved, which one would it be.
“It could have gone very differently. Immediately afterwards you think to yourself, ‘Gosh, would I go through that again?’ Then you look at your child and think, ‘I’d do it all again tomorrow.’ That’s the nature of motherhood.”
Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind The Lens airs from 30 August on W and UKTV Play