Gorka Marquez shares emotional message as Gemma Atkinson confirms heartbreaking loss

Gorka Marquez has shared his own emotional message as Gemma Atkinson confirmed their family had suffered a heartbreaking loss. Fans had been checking in with the Hits Radio star after she revealed her beloved dog Norman's sudden decline earlier this month (June).

Gemma told how the family had had a fraught 24 hours with Norman after she found he was unable to move. A trip to the vet ensued where the mum-of-two was heartbreakingly told there was nothing more they could do. She sadly told how she'd started making arrangements and had cried more than she has ever done during her six-year-long relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka.

But they were given a lifeline when the vet said she could tweak Norman's medication. "It might not give him long, could be weeks, months but I'm not having him in pain. I know that. I'm not going to have him suffering," Gemma shared. "It was awful," she added.

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However, on Friday (June 28), Bury-born Gemma, who is also the proud owner of beloved pooch Ollie, shared a fresh video of Norman and gave fans an update. The Bury-born star started by saying: "Thank you for checking in re Norm [red heart emoji]. He's not doing too good, to be honest with you all."

Gemma, 39, heartbreakingly added: "I'm trying my best to be positive but I know realistically it needs more than just being hopeful." But the mum-of-two was able to smile as she gave fans a baby update.

She then shared the heartbreaking news of Norman's death on Sunday (June 30), sharing a moving video featuring pictures and clips of him from others the years with her and Ollie as well as Gemma's fiance Gorka and their two children, Mia and Thiago. "My beautiful boy Norman has passed away. My heart is broken," she began,

"12 years ago I made a promise to him that I would always take care of him and never allow him be in pain or to suffer. Had I put off making the hardest decision of my life any longer I would have broken that promise. It’s hard to put into words how much Norman changed my life and made it so much better Simply by just being there. Throughout the good & bad experiences the last 12 years he’s been there with Ollie making everything ok."

She continued to pay tribute to her much-loved pet who she said gave her her "first experience of being a mum and having someone other than myself to care for". She also shared her sadness at four-year-old Mia also suffering the loss, mentioning her fifth birthday is also just around the corner.

She rounded off her tear-jerking post: "I’m going to love you, miss you and remember you forever. Until we meet again Norman… Go and run again and have some fun up there with my dad. You’re such a good boy."

Gorka, meanwhile, shared the video to his own Instagram Story and simply said: "Will defo miss you little man," with a face holding back tears and red heart emojis. The couple's celebrity friends and followers were quick to show their love and support.

Strictly's Karen Hauer said: "Oh Gemma, my heart aches for you .. sending all the love." Actress Brooke Vincent commented: "Aww Gemma I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love. How lucky he was to have you!" TV star Jess Wright shared: "So so sorry Gemma." Former Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper replied: "Sending love dear one."

Strictly's head judge Shirley Ballas posted: "@gorka_marquez @glouiseatkinson so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Norman." Actress Lucy-Jo Hudson typed: "Ahh I’m so sorry gem. Heartbroken for you and your gorgeous family." Rugby star Simon Davidson added: "Sending love to you all. He is running free with little Vera now."