Gemma Atkinson has opened up about why she's still not married to her Spanish fiancé, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez, despite the couple sharing two little ones together - Mia and Thiago. In a touching open letter written for Father's Day, she spoke to her cherished late father David, who tragically died from a heart attack aged 52 when Gemma was merely 17.

As she marked her 24th Father's Day without the man she treasures "every day", Gemma, backing palliative care and bereavement charity Sue Ryder, admitted that the thought of walking down the aisle without him feels impossible - his absence being a major reason for postponing her wedding. She emotionally shared on Instagram: "I'm getting married, Dad! One day, anyway. I think one of the reasons we've not done it yet is because of you. We've come close many times, but something stops me. I'm now the last Atkinson in the family line and if I give up my name, there's no more of us. I don't want to lose that remaining tie to you. Not having you walk me down the aisle... maybe I'll just stay engaged for a bit longer."

Speaking about her future husband, Gemma movingly shared that she believes her late father would have absolutely adored him and their two beautiful children, who she heartbreakingly acknowledged that her dad will never have the chance to meet. "I think you'd be really happy with my choice of fiancé," she said.

"You'd get such a kick out of Gorka being a professional dancer – you loved to dance – and I know you'd adore your grandchildren. Just like you adored me."

She went on: "I wish you'd got to meet him. There have been many times where he would have benefitted from your advice. You travelled so much for work and Gorka needs to be away a lot too.

"I remember when Mia was born, he had to leave for a tour when she was three days old. It broke his heart but I know you'd have helped him. I can hear your voice, saying, "I get it pal, I had to do the same. You'll get through it.

"I often feel sad that he never got to shake your hand. You only ever met my high school boyfriend. That's hard for me."

The ex-Strictly professional and broadcasting personality admits she ensures her father's legacy remains central to her young family's daily life.

She disclosed: "I talk to Thiago and Mia about you all the time. They call you GanGan David. We've got a picture of you in the house and Mia thinks GanGan David lives on the moon and you can't get out. She always asks us how we can rescue you. When our dogs died it was devastating, but Mia took comfort in the fact you were looking after them somewhere. I really believe you are."

Back in January, Gorka offered an insight into their wedding arrangements, reassuring supporters that he and Gemma will marry once little Thiago gains more independence. He expanded on this, saying: "We will do it, it's just not at the moment.

"We are very good like this, especially with having the kids. Thiago is not independent yet so we don't want to go into the wedding and be carrying him or halfway through the wedding he starts screaming that he only wants mummy, you know?"