'They couldn't keep away from each other at rehearsals': Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez spark rumours of a romance on Strictly after 'hitting it off at his birthday meal'
She recently admitted that she is open to finding love on the show, as she has been 'single for ages'.
And Gemma Atkinson has already sparked rumours of a Strictly Come Dancing romance, following reports she has grown close to professional dancer Gorka Marquez.
According to The Sun, the pair 'could not keep away from each other' at group rehearsals for the launch show, and hit it off at his birthday meal - with the Emmerdale actress, 32, being the only celebrity contestant invited.
Seeking love: The rumours come after Gemma admitted she's shrugging off the 'Strictly curse' as she reveals she's open to finding love in the ballroom
Getting on like a house on fire: According to The Sun, the pair (far left) 'could not keep away from each other' at group rehearsals for the launch show, and hit it off at his birthday meal
Sources claim that Gemma and Gorka, 27, first bonded at group rehearsals, where they were heard exchanging fitness tips - with the blonde a keen gym-goer.
s then reported that Gemma was the only celebrity invited to the Spanish dancer's birthday meal, where the pair spent the whole evening chatting.
An insider told the paper: 'They couldn't keep away from each other at group rehearsals. Gorka even invited Gemma to his birthday meal and they sat together the whole night.
Hotting up: Sources claim that Gemma and Gorka, 27, (above) first bonded at group rehearsals, where they were heard exchanging fitness tips - with the blonde a keen gym-goer
Close: It was then reported that Gemma was the only celebrity invited to the Spanish dancer's birthday meal, where the pair spent the whole evening chatting
Before adding: 'There is definitely something developing — everyone can see there's an obvious attraction.'
MailOnline has contacted representatives of both Gemma and Gorka for comment.
Gemma has been linked to footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Darren Bent in the past, while Gorka is thought to have split from his fiancée Lauren Sheridan in December.
The rumours however come after Gemma admitted she is shrugging off the 'Strictly curse' as she reveals she's open to finding love in the ballroom.
Looking for love: The rumours however come after Gemma admitted she is shrugging off the 'Strictly curse' as she reveals she's open to finding love in the ballroom
The former Emmerdale beauty, who was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec on the launch show, told The Sun at the press launch: 'I've been single for ages so there wouldn't be any curse for me. It would be a blessing.'
However, the erstwhile glamour model has admitted that she has found it awkward getting up and close and personal with her professional dance partner - whose identity will be revealed on Saturday night - as they practice their sultry routines.
The Bury native explained: 'Being forced to be face-to-face with someone you've just met is mortifying. It sounds all lovely.
'But it's like doing a scene with one of your mates at Emmerdale. On camera it looks good, but when you're in it and doing it, it's awkward.'
Ready to mingle? The beauty, who was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec on the launch show (above), said: 'I've been single for ages so there wouldn't be any curse for me. It would be a blessing'
Scared: Gemma (pictured above with Brian Conley) revealed her nerves stem from doing live theatre which she later had to stop doing, as she struggled to overcome her worries
Gemma's imminent debut on Strictly comes days after she revealed that she almost turned down the opportunity to compete on the ratings juggernaut, as she has been crippled with stage fright.
Gemma told Daily Star Sunday: 'I almost turned it down... I was worried about Strictly throwing me back into the spotlight and I was scared of performing live on TV each week in front of 12million people.'
While Gemma is already used to being watched onscreen, thanks to her soap appearances in Emmerdale and Hollyoaks, she claimed that she was forced to stop doing live theatre, as she struggled to overcome her battle with nerves.
Unsure: The Emmerdale star confessed she was reluctant to agree to take part and had left show bosses waiting for two weeks, before she eventually said yes
Worried that she could face similar issues while on Strictly, a defiant Gemma added that she will 'just have to get over' her concerns when it comes to her performances.
She revealed that it had been her mother that had persuaded her to sign up for Strictly, insisting the starlet would have been 'silly' to say no.
Spurred on by her mum's advice, Gemma said: 'I always think it is better to do something and it go wrong than regret not doing something and never knowing - so I said yes.'
Gemma has since found herself one of the favourites on this year's series and is said to have hired a team of personal trainers to get her into pristine shape ahead of Strictly.
Persuaded: The blonde beauty revealed that it had been her mother that had persuaded her to sign up for Strictly, insisting the starlet would have been 'silly' to say no
'Training for Strictly never stops': Gemma showed off her twerking skills in a bikini top and shorts in an Instagram video as she enjoys a holiday in Ibiza ahead of programme launch
And as she prepares to make her Strictly debut, the blonde beauty told fans that the 'training never stops' as she shared a video of herself showcasing her dance moves during a recent getaway to Ibiza.
Showcasing her incredible body while holidaying in the Spanish paradise resort, the star gave her best booty shake in a denim hot pants bikini ensemble.
Sporting a pair of oversized shades, the star wore her blonde locks high on her head in a braided ponytail which bounced along as she gyrated for the camera.
The stunning actress is expected to be a fan favourite this year with bookies dubbing her to be one of the strongest contestants from the outset when the show returns later this month.
Looking good: The stunning former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress took to Instagram to channel her inner Miley Cyrus by booty shaking in a ten second clip
And it seems Gemma is so geared up the the Strictly return that she decided to overhaul her diet in a bid to shed a few extra pounds before her dance training even begins.
'I won't be drinking in the evenings now I'm doing Strictly. It'll be very rare for me to have a vodka now,' she confessed.
Gemma has worked hard to tone up with a 12-week fitness and diet regime and is already in peak physical condition.
She said: 'I love feeling strong and athletic, and that's how training with weights makes me feel.'
Feeling good: Gemma has worked hard to tone up with a 12-week fitness and diet regime and is already in peak physical condition
No drinking: The star revealed she wouldn't be touching a tipple during the show in order to perform at her peak each week
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