The Hits Radio host emotionally shared the update with her fans after her family suffered double heartbreak in 2024
Gemma Atkinson was left fighting tears as she shared an update with her fans and plans to expand her family after they suffered double heartbreak in 2024.
Fans may recall that the Hits Radio host announced the heartbreaking death of her and her fiance Gorka Marquez’s beloved dog Ollie in December.
The death of their pet came just six months after the devastating loss of their other much-loved pooch, Norman, earlier in July, leaving the family heartbroken.
Confirming Norman’s death last summer, days before her daughter Mia’s fifth birthday, Gemma said: “My beautiful boy Norman has passed away.
“My heart is broken,” alongside a moving video featuring pictures and clips of him from over the years with her and Ollie, as well as Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka and their two children, Mia and one-year-old Thiago.
Bury-born Gemma, 40, then confirmed on December 10 that Ollie had been reunited with Norman, leaving her heartbroken. Sharing a video full of pictures and videos from over the years featuring Ollie as well as Norman, the Bury-born star wrote to her two million followers: “Sleep well beautiful Ollie…
“The sadness of losing you both so close together is a lot, but I know you’re both somewhere running free in long grass or on a beach chasing the tide care free, pain free and happy. That’s what I’m taking comfort in right now. I’ll remember you for the rest of my life. Norman and Ollie. My 2 best boys. Reunited.”
Gemma was flooded with love and support and has since kept her fans updated on how she and her family are coping with the tragic loss of Ollie and Norman.
She’s also previously addressed plans to one day get another dog, and she’s now revealed the process has begun. Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday (March 5), Gemma said in a video: “I spent a good chunk of yesterday afternoon filling in forms to be put on a waiting list for a rescue.”
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star took a breathe as she nervously smiled. Admitting she was getting upset, Gemma said: “I don’t know why it gets me empotional. Another dog, a rescue… I’ve filled in the forms. It’s going to take while because obviously it needs to be a puppy, ideally, with Thiago.
“But I filled it all in yesterday. I don’t know why I’m all emotional. It’s making me feel bad on Norman and Ollie and it shouldn’t. It’s good news, it’s good news.”
She then laughed as she pointed to her teary eyes and said: “So what’s this happening for? I’m so desperate to have another little companion, it’s making me excited!”
Gemma then covered her eyes with her sunglasses and said cheerily: “I’m on the list for another rescue dog,” before laughing. She also wrote alongside the post: “I don’t look it, but I am very happy [crying laughing emoji].”
