Gemma Atkinson has been loving her time on the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour but there’s one problem – she’s had to leave her beloved dogs behind!
The soap actress has been fox-trotting around the country with professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec since mid-January and she’s said she’s really missing her pet pooches Ollie and Norman while she’s away.
Gemma’s love for her “fur babies” is well-known to her Instagram followers as she regularly shares pictures and videos of them.
Today she said her recent stint on the Strictly tour – which has another ten days to go – has made her realise just how much they brighten up her life.
She made the admission as she revealed how gutted she was to miss Ollie’s seventh birthday while she’s on tour. Aww!
Sharing a video of his special day the year before, when he and Norman had been treated to cupcakes and party hats while she sang Happy Birthday, she wrote: “Throwback to Ollie’s 6th Birthday! He was 7 last week and I wasn’t there.
“Lots of cuddles to make up for with Ollie and Norman once I’ve finished on tour.”
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She then added: “It’s funny how much you realise the joy dogs bring when you don’t see them daily. Some mornings I’ve felt a little sad and then it hits me, it’s because I’ve not seen these two bouncing around the room, tails wagging waiting for their walk.”
The cute video had already racked up 27,460 views two hours after it was uploaded as Gemma’s fans rushed to wish her pet a happy birthday.
Others said her feelings towards her pets resonated with them, and showed what a caring person she is as she goes above and beyond to pamper the pooches on their birthdays.
“Love this, kind people do still exist,” one wrote, while another said: “I love your doggies they are so sweet, such lovely personalities, I love how passionate and caring you are towards animals.”
A third said: “Can’t bear to be parted from my 2 so know how you feel,” while a fourth added of her observation: “So true. Dogs really light up your life.”
Another reassured her: “They will have missed you loads too,” while a further fan told Gemma she was also missing her pets!
“Cuteness overload !! Hope you’ve booked a few days rest after the tour…missed seeing snaps of these cuties too,” they wrote.
Gemma joined the Strictly live tour along with Alexandra Burke, Johnnie Peacock, Debbie McGee, Joe McFadden, Susan Calman and Davood Ghadami in mid January.
Along with judges Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel-Horwood, and former champ Ore Oduba acting as host, the dancers have so far travelled to Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Belfast and Newcastle.
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Next it’s on to Glasgow and Nottingham before the final shows in London.
Then Gemma can finally go home and give her two doggies one almighty hug! Bless.
How much do you miss your pets when you’re not at home? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!