Strictly's Gemma Atkinson pays tribute to family member who died
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Strictly Come Dancing star Gemma Atkinson has paid tribute to her late Aunt Shelia, who passed away recently at the age of 92.
The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star posted on Instagram to confirm the sad news, sharing a video of her aunt with her daughter Mia, now four, and also a more recent image of the pair.
"Today we said goodbye to Auntie Shelia," wrote Atkinson in the caption. "The kindest, most caring lady and eldest relative we have. The matriarch of our family. After almost 93 years her body became tired.
Related: Strictly’s Kai Widdrington issues birthday tribute to Angela Rippon
"Now at peace and reunited with Uncle Peter and many more relatives, I'm sure they'll be having a celebration together just as we did today at her send off. As sad as funerals are, it's always lovely having the family together having a good laugh and a good buffet!
"Thanks for teaching our family to always stay positive. I'm convinced that’s why you lived so happy for so long, because regardless of the situation you always looked on the bright side. Sleep well…I'll miss your pound coins sellotaped in my Birthday card this year, but I know you'll check in on everyone now & again."
Atkinson appeared on the 15th series of Strictly back in 2017, finishing as a runner-up as she danced alongside Aljaž Škorjanec. She also met her fiancé Gorka Márquez on the show, with the couple welcoming their second child together earlier this year.
Related: Strictly's Gemma Atkinson reveals Gorka's cheeky request when home from filming
Gorka recently participated in the 21st series of the BBC show, but his stint was short lived as he was eliminated in Week 3 with partner Nikita Kanda. The pair recently discussed their exit on It Takes Two, with Nikita revealing she suffered an injury before the live show.
"I’m really sad – I feel quite emotional. It's been a fun journey, but I'm so sad that our time got cut short," she said. "I even hurt my foot the day before but we powered through – I've got a bandage on so it's not very glamorous underneath all the sparkle."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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