Strictly Come Dancing stars Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez revealed more about their future plans, following talks of an overseas move

Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson opened up about retiring plans (Image: Gorka_Marquez Instagram)

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have discussed dramatically living in a different way in their retirement years. The Strictly Come Dancing stars, who became a couple in 2018, currently live in Gemma’s native Manchester alongside their two children, Mia and Thiago.

While primarily based in Manchester, Gorka frequently travels to his homeland of Spain for professional engagements, including his role as a judge on the Spanish edition of Strictly. During the most recent instalment of their podcast, Lost In Translation, the radio host revealed her ambition to swap city living for a more peaceful existence on a farm.

The conversation arose after Gorka recalled being around animals, including chickens and rabbits, at his grandmother’s residence during his childhood.

Having clarified that he didn’t shoot them with the pellet gun he’d referenced, the Strictly professional explained he actually targeted the pegs on his grandmother’s washing line. “So then there was no pegs and she used to shout at us, ‘Where’s the pegs?!’” he chuckled.

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez discussed their future on their podcast (Image: YOUTUBE/LOSTINTRANSLATION)

After his revelation, Gemma suggested the possibility of farm living. She said: “Would you be up for one day retiring on a farm?”Not a working farm, which I know there is a place for them, I do support the farmers if it’s done properly, but if we just had like a horse, maybe a miniature horse, a Shetland,” to which he responded: “No, a proper horse.”

“We can get a Shetland as well,” she added: “A few goats and a few little micro pigs.” Supporting the potential relocation, the dancer suggested they could also grow their own fresh produce, drawing inspiration from what he’d witnessed his grandmother doing.

Gemma and Gorka confirmed their romance in 2018 (Image: GETTY)

The couple outlined their retirement vision after recently revealing hopes to explore Australia and New Zealand, once their children reach adulthood. Discussing their contrasting perspectives, Gemma confessed she was apprehensive about watching the children grow up and get into relationships, particularly Thiago.

Citing the familiar saying, she said: “A daughter is a daughter all your life, but a son is a son until he finds his wife.

“Imagine when there’s another woman in his life other than me or it could be another man, we never know,” she added. “Whoever it is, a man or woman, I don’t want you to have him.”

Later in the programme, the pair disclosed that experiencing New Zealand also features on their “bucket list.”

Gemma added: “We have a friend who’s from New Zealand, and the pictures she posts, the scenery, I’d love to do the whale watching.”