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Strictly stars forced to evacuate rehearsals for Saturday’s show

The couple had to abandon training

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The show hasn’t even started yet, but there’s already been plenty of drama in the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals.

New partners Gemma Atkinson and Aljaz Skorjanec were forced to abandon their training and evacuate the gym they were practising in.

Read more: Gemma Atkinson promises Emmerdale return

The former Emmerdale star and her hunky partner – who previously won the series with Abby Clancey – were training at a Virgin Active gym in the Lowry Outlet in Salford Quays, close to Manchester city centre.

But when there was a fire alarm test the couple had to evacuate, bringing training to a halt.

The couple were spotted leaving the gym in their training gear. Gemma was wearing purple workout leggings and covered up with a denim jacket, while Aljaz was in tracksuit bottoms and had his backpack.

The disruption happened early on Thursday morning, when the centre ran their routine fire alarm which happens every six months.

Aljaz has been training with Gemma up in Manchester, which is where she presents the Key 103 radio breakfast show.

The Bury-born actress, who has also appeared in Casualty and Hollyoaks, was thrilled to be partnered with the Slovenian hunk Aljaz.

And the pair were pictured laughing together in the unplanned break – maybe they were grateful for the rest!

This week Gemma went on Twitter to ask her followers what their ‘team name’ should be. Some of the suggestions included ‘Jazgem’ and ‘Gemali’ or ‘Team Norman’ after her beloved pet dog.

Gemma had also joked that she was hoping the show would improve her love life.

Her partner Aljaz married his long-term partner and fellow pro Janette Manrara earlier this year. But there could be romance elsewhere.

During the group dance training before the celebs were paired up with their partners, people noticed sparks flying between Gemma and another professional dancer, Gorka Marquez.

Gorka – who is partnered with former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke – and Gemma were spotted spending a lot of time together and looking very cosy.

Read more: BBC boss confirms massive Strictly shake-up

Although they’ll both be very busy with their respective partners, there will still be plenty of time for them to hang out backstage during rehearsals.

At the time a source told The Sun: “There is definitely something developing — everyone can see there’s an obvious attraction.”

And, talking about the Strictly curse – when the dancing couples get involved with each other – Gemma had previously joked: “I’ve been single for ages so there wouldn’t be any curse for me. It would be a blessing!”

So watch this space…


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor