Gemma Atkinson says she 'can't speak without crying' as she thanks fans for support

Gemma Atkinson has thanked her fans for their support after sharing her heartbreaking loss. The Hits Radio host, 39, took to Instagram on Sunday (June 30) to share the devastating news that her beloved dog, Norman, had passed away.

Gemma told her two million followers that her 'heart is broken' as she says Norman 'made her a mum' for the first time. The mum-of-two has been the devoted owner of her two pooches, Norman and Ollie, for several years and the pair involved in announcing Gemma's first pregnancy.

But earlier in June, Gemma shared that the family had experienced a tough 24 hours with their dog as he fell ill and was unable to move. She was then told by the vets that there was nothing more they could do.

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The former Hollyoaks actress, who has two children Mia, four, and baby Thiago with Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez, has now shared an update with fans ahead of her daughter Mia's fifth birthday on July 4.

Taking to her Instagram story, Gemma spoke to the camera as she admitted she 'can't speak without crying'. She said: "Just to say thank you again, my hair hasn't been washed in days. Norman is obviously not here now, well he is but just not in his shell.

"The amount of white feathers genuinely. So much has happened these last few days which I will tell you about when I can speak without crying. But thank you for your messages, we're good and we're cracking on."

Gemma then went on to talk about her daughter's upcoming birthday. Showing off a karaoke set she had bought, the mum said: "I'm actually wrapping Mia's presents for her birthday and we've done that thing where we haven't thought through the gifts. It's only now I've seen this again I've thought it's going to be a headache for at least four months."

Sharing a work update, Gemma then said: "I'm back on air with Toolan this afternoon." She later shared a picture from the studio, with the caption reading: "Toolan wanted to cheer me up with an egg, a cookie and a coffee. However in true Toolan style, he spilt my bloody coffee."

Taking to her stories, the actress and radio presenter later shared a sad video of her daughter sat with their late pooch. The caption read: "Been down a rabbit hole of old videos and found this."