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Gemma Atkinson bids fond farewell to radio co-stars as she lands new show

Actress is moving onto national airways

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Gemma Atkinson has said a fond farewell to her former colleagues as the breakfast radio show she’s been working on came to an end today.

The former soap actress has been on the airways in the mornings for Key 103 Manchester with Matt Haslam and Mike Toolan.

But today’s show was their last, as the regional station will now become a national one called Hits Radio.

Obviously, it was a sad day for Gemma to be moving on from a show that has been so important to her, but she was also excited about her new radio programme.

While Gemma, 33, will no longer be working daily with Matt and Mike, she will remain on the station’s breakfast show.

From June 4, she’ll co-host alongside TV presenter Gethin Jones and former Radio One DJ “Comedy Dave” Vitty, while her former colleagues will also move to different shows.

Speaking of the end of an era on Wednesday, Gemma posted a picture of her with Matt and Mike on Instagram writing: “Up and ready to do the last breakfast show with these two. @mattjhaslam and @miketoolan My brothers from other mothers.”

She added: “Not getting soppy because I’ll still see them daily and the change to Hits Radio is going to be be amazing, and we’re all looking forward to taking Manchester national from the 4th June!

“To everyone who has supported the Gemma, Matt & Mike Breakfast show and Key 103, THANK YOU! It means a lot to all 3 of us.”

Their fans said they would miss the show, while wishing them all well with their new ones.

“Loved listening to the 3 of you. Good luck with the next chapter,” one wrote.

“It’s been mint!! Gonna miss you 3 together,” said another.

“Aww you three together have been fantastic, going to miss listening to you all,” said a third.

On the final show, the trio played their favourite tracks as they reminisced about their time together.

Gemma revealed they kept up a party atmosphere so they didn’t feel too sad, sharing a video of the three of them dancing to a Pink hit.

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Alongside the clip she wrote: “Raise your glass! Our last show at Key103 is done. Sad times but onwards and upwards with HITS RADIO!! Taking Manchester National from the 4th June. Back at 6am weekdays.”

Going from local to national radio is a big career boost for Gemma, who has previously starred in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale. She’s also currently working on a fitness project, which she’s promised to reveal more details about next week.

Her love life is also going swimmingly after she met professional dancer Gorka Marquez on the last series of Strictly.

She recently gushed about how much she’s been missing him while he was away performing on a cruise of The Med.

She wrote: “We’ve never had more than 5 days apart so for us it’s a big deal. I’ve always been good on my own but I’m great when he’s around so I’m counting down the days like I did as a kid at Christmas.

“I feel so lucky to have someone who I miss when we’re apart and someone who makes me feel so excited about seeing them again.”

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She didn’t have to wait as long as she expected to see Gorka, after he surprised her with a whirlwind visit on Sunday.

“He flew to Manchester from Madrid for just 17hrs to surprise me!” she said on Instagram of his romantic gesture, alongside an image of the happy couple reunited.

Perhaps she’ll be announcing their engagement on her new breakfast show soon!

Will you listen to Gemma’s new radio show? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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