Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez and his partner Gemma Atkinson, 40, have revealed a brand-new addition to their family in a social media update to fans.
The 34-year-old Spanish dancer took to Instagram to share the joyful news that their family was welcoming another four-legged friend.
Marquez and Atkinson first met in 2017, while performing on series 15 of Strictly Come Dancing. Although they weren't initially paired as dance partners on the show, their romance blossomed during the live tour the following year.
They now share two children, daughter Mia and son Thiago, alongside family pets – including their newest member of the family.
Marquez and Atkinson shared sweet pics of their new pooch
Instagram: Gorka Marquez
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"Another set of paws. New memories to make," the dancer wrote to his 972 thousand followers. He continued with enthusiasm about the special occasion, adding: "So far, today has been the best day of 2025."
The post concluded with a warm welcome message: "Welcome to the family Benji Marquez."
Alongside the caption, the couple shared a carousel of sweet pics showing Benji being introduced to their young family.
The cute pooch, a Goldendoodle puppy, was seen frolicking around the family garden and playing with the couple’s children.
Marquez shared pics of the family playing with their new pet
Instagram: Gorka Marquez
The post was quickly flooded with reactions from Strictly co-stars and fans alike, fawning over the sweet announcement.
“Benji!!! love him!!” wrote Strictly pro Karen Hauer with copious love hearts emojis while Luba Mushtuk plumped for just the emojis.
Marquez's Strictly 2024 celeb partner Dr Punam Krishan added: “OMG he’s gorgeous!”
“He doesn’t know it, but Benji has just hit the jackpot finding your family. Happy memory making to you all…dogs are just THE best thing ever sent to us,” one fan glowed.
Another enthused: “Beautiful pup for a beautiful family to spoil him with love!”
However, the post also prompted some debate in the comments regarding the origin of the new puppy – given Atkinson’s previous support of rescue dog adoption.
“I’d be really disappointed to learn Benji was purchased and not adopted. Gemma is a huge advocate for rescue and the situation across UK is only getting worse, particularly with puppy farming across these doodle and poodle mixes. With time and patience, there will ALWAYS be a perfect rescue for any family,” one concerned fan wrote.
Another added: “No way that is (a) rescue how can you advocate rescue but not get one!”
Other fans rushed to the couple’s defence, with one questioning: “Why does it matter whether he is a rescue or not they have to put safety of their children first? Its their decision and nobody else's. I have a rescue but would never judge others who don't.”
“I am staggered at the mean comments on here. Please take time to consider the family's requirements in choosing a puppy for their family instead of being vindictive,” another shared.
