Strictly Come Dancing romance shocker leaves Alexandra Burke ‘furious’ as rival Gemma Atkinson dates the singer’s dance partner
STRICTLY has been hit by another sex scandal — with Gemma Atkinson secretly dating Alexandra Burke’s dance partner.
Her growing romance with Spanish pro Gorka Marquez, 27, is said to have left Alexandra “furious”.
It is the first time in the BBC show’s history that a contestant has hooked up with a dancer who is not their own partner.
A Strictly insider revealed: “Gorka and Gemma are together. It’s the talk of the make-up room.
“Not surprisingly, Alexandra is furious about how it might impact her chances of winning. She’s very ambitious and is nervous about it all.”
Bury-born actress Gemma, 32, is partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec, 27.
But sources said she clicked with Gorka the moment they met in group rehearsals.
A friend said: “Gemma thinks Gorka is really nice.
"She’s been getting to know him and she loves kissing him.
“At this point she wouldn’t describe him as her boyfriend because they haven’t spent enough time together as they’re both focused on rehearsing.
“But they go to the gym together to work out which is really sweet because it’s something they both love to do.”
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Gorka split with his fiancée last year on the same night he suffered an alleged assault in Blackpool which left him with two broken teeth.
Last week he posted a photo on Snapchat of a workout with Gemma.
The famous “Strictly curse” has ended several relationships over the years.
But Gemma previously said: “I’ve been single ages so there wouldn’t be any curse for me. It would be a blessing.”
However Gorka’s celebrity partner Alexandra, 29, insisted there was no chance of her having a fling on the show.
The former X Factor winner started dating boyfriend Josh Ginnelly last year during her run in the Sister Act musical.
She said this week: “It’s a good thing that my boyfriend is used to seeing me on stage with other men — when I first met him I was kissing two guys a night in Sister Act – because I hope Gorka and I get the chance to dance many, many more.”
More than 10 million viewers have tuned in for each of the first two nights of competition — with JLS star Aston Merrygold one of the favourites.
