Gemma Atkinson mocks 'pregnancy police' as she climbs Mount Teide in tribute to late dad

Gemma Atkinson hit out at the “pregnancy police” as she paid a poignant tribute to her late father on top of Mount Teide.

The former Emmerdale actress, who is pregnant with her first child, reached the top of the Spanish mountain with partner Gorka Marquez, marking the first time she had climbed it since her dad died when she was 17.

But Atkinson, 34, made sure to make a dig at those who were tempted to troll her for hiking while pregnant as she mocked the “pregnancy police” in her caption.

“Last week me and Gorks climbed Mount Teide,” Atkinson wrote. “It’s a drive, cable car and flat walk before the pregnancy police start on me.

“I haven’t been here since my dad passed away. We used to come every year and do the hike so it was bitter sweet, but I know he somehow helped drag me up there.”

Atkinson was quickly praised by her fans for the climb, with several commenting on her comment while others were upset that she felt the need to address it.

One wrote: “Isn’t it bad that you now have to write things like this on your own photos! Just proves what a nasty world we are becoming. It’s YOUR body and YOUR baby. You shouldn’t have to explain yourself to narrow minded people. You go girl.”

Another said: “Ignore the pregnancy police!”

“Pregnancy police. B***** them. You know your own limitations. Better to stay fit and health apparently it helps child birth,” read somebody else’s comment.

Atkinson announced she was expecting her first child with Strictly Come Dancing professional Marquez, 28, earlier this year.

The couple used their dogs Norman and Ollie to make the sweet announcement with both canines brandishing signs about becoming big brothers.

Atkinson and Marquez started dating in early 2018 after meeting on the 2017 series of Strictly.