Gemma Atkinson reveals the names she originally wanted for son Thiago

She's just released a new podcast

Gemma Atkinson / Gemma with Mia and Thiago
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 21st Sep 2023

Gemma Atkinson isn't just a very talented radio presenter, she's also an actress, published author, mum-of-two and now a podcast host.

The Hits Radio presenter has just launched her new podcast called The Overshare, and in it she's revealed the names that she almost called her new son Thiago.

Speaking on her podcast, Gemma explained that although fiancé Gorka Márquez is Spanish, they decided on a Portuguese name as his mum is Portuguese.

"Gorka’s mum chose the name," Gemma explained. "I liked Raphael and I loved Thomas, but Gorka didn’t like Thomas. In Spain it's ‘Tomás’ and he said Tommy Márquez sounds like he’d beat you up.

"And then his mum said, Thiago and it’s a Portuguese name, his mum is Portuguese. My dad’s middle name was Thomas, so we had Thiago Thomas Márquez and he gets Teo."

Each week, new episodes of Gemma's podcast will be released, and in the first episode, released on 21st September and titled Bodies - Love Them or Loathe Them, fans get a chance to hear Gemma talk about bodies, from gastric bands to bad tattoos, to a tale of inspirational weight loss.

In the episode she opened up about her thoughts on tattoos saying: "I think with tattoos, well I had mine done in Magaluf in a hut outside BCM so clearly, I wasn’t in sound of mind anyway, but a lot of people, they do it on a whim…

"Because Gorka is covered, I say to him, 'if there’s ever a time when Mia or Teo says, can I have a tattoo?' 'I will say absolutely not' because I’ve had all of my lasered, well I’ve got one on my neck, because I can’t see it so it doesn’t bother me, but I can’t say no to them because their dad is covered, so how as a parent would you stop your kid from doing something that you’ve already done?

"When it's psychically there to see…it’s going to be tough for anyone who is desperately trying to not let their kids to the same as them."

What is The Overshare?

The Overshare is a brand new podcast hosted by Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson. In the podcast she covers a variety of topics, speaking to listeners and experts.

Take a look through Gemma Atkinson's fantastic career so far:

Hollyoaks (2001 - 2006)

Gemma Atkinson played the role of Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2005. Gemma also appeared in its spin-off shows, Hollyoaks: After Hours, Hollyoaks: Let Loose and Hollyoaks: In the City, between 2004 and 2006. In 2002 Gemma was nominated for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards.

Hollyoaks: Let Loose (2005)

In 2005, Gemma Atkinson appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off series about Ben Davies and Lisa Hunter as they leave Hollyoaks for a new life.

Soapstar Superstar (2007)

Gemma appeared in Soapstar Superstar in 2007 and reached the last four. On the show she performed songs by P!nk, Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Sting.

Celebrity Weakest Link and Celebrity MasterChef (2006)

In 2006, Gemma took part in Celebrity Weakest Link along with Hollyoaks co-star Marcus Patric. The same year she also competed on Celebrity MasterChef against the likes of Midge Ure and Craig Revel Horwood, with Nadia Sawalha winning the series.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! (2007)

Gemma took part in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! back in 2007, finishing the series in fifth place.

TV appearances (2008)

Gemma appeared on several TV shows in 2008 including Celebrity Mastermind, All Star Family Fortunes and Jack Osbourne's show Adrenaline Junkie. Gemma also made her computer game debut on Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, playing the role of Lt. Eva McKenna, a character she reprised for the sequel, Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Uprising.

Devil's Pass (2013)

In 2013, Gemma appeared as Denise Evers in the film Devil's Pass. The film was about a group of students, who visited the location of the Dyatlov pass incident, to make a documentary.
The Dyatlov pass incident was a real event where experienced hikers went missing in uncertain circumstances. That same year she also appeared in a remake of Night of the Living Dead.

Emmerdale (2015 - 2017)

For two years, Gemma played the role of Carly Hope in Emmerdale. In 2015, 2016 and 2017, Emmerdale won Best Soap at the Inside Soap Awards, and Gemma was also nominated for Sexiest Female in the 2016 Inside Soap Awards.

Started acting role in Fever (2016)

Gemma starred in the Indian suspense thriller Fever, starring alongside Caterina Murino and Ankita Makwana. As part of the Emmerdale cast, Gemma won Best Soap at the TV Choice Awards in 2016. The actress also became vice-patron of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Lancashire.

Key 103 Breakfast Show (2017)

In 2017, Gemma Atkinson turned her talents to radio presenting and joined Mike Toolan on the Key 103 Breakfast Show (now Hits Radio). The pair presented the show until May 2018.


Gemma then carried on with the breakfast show on the newly-named Hits Radio until she went on leave to have her baby daughter in 2019.

Strictly Come Dancing (2017)

Gemma was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec on the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Gemma and Aljaž ended the show as runner ups, narrowly missing out to Joe McFadden and Katya Jones. Gemma also met her future fiancé Gorka Marquez on the show.

Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan book (2018)

Not only is Gemma a presenter and actor, but she is also an author. Gemma released a book of recipes and workout plans called The Ultimate Body Plan in 2018 and went on a book tour around England and Wales.

Gemma presents the drivetime show on Hits Radio (2020)

After having Mia, Gemma returned to radio to present the home time show on Hits Radio in 2020.

Gemma Atkinson reunited with Mike Toolan on Hits Radio (2022)

Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan were reunited on the radio in 2022. The pair now present the drivetime show on Hits Radio.

Gemma Atkinson releases The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums book (2022)

After releasing her first book in 2018, Gemma followed it up with a second book in 2022 called The Ultimate Body Plan for New Mums based on her own experiences as a new mother getting back into exercising.

Gemma Atkinson returns to Hollyoaks (2022)

Fans were excited when Gemma returned to Hollyoaks in 2022, 16 years after leaving the show, calling it a 'trip down memory lane'. Reprising her role as Lisa Hunter, she was back on the soap for two episodes.


Teasing her character's return, Gemma said: 'She's only back for a short amount of time, but you all know in Hollyoaks you can do a lot of damage in a short time.'

Gemma Atkinson presents The Toddler Club (2022)

Gemma joined kids' TV show The Toddler Club on CBeebies as a presenter alongside Nigel Clarke in April 2022. She drew from her own experience as a mum and revealed that before joining the programme she: "Found comfort and reassurance watching programmes such as The Baby Club and The Toddler Club."

Gemma Atkinson releases Activewear range (2023)

In January 2023, Gemma released her Activewear range with In The Style. The range features leggings, half-zip tops, sports tops, joggers and more, in sizes 6 - 24.

Gemma Atkinson lands her own TV show with fiancé Gorka Marquez

Following the birth of their second child in July 2023, Gemma and her fiancé Gorka Marquez announced they'd landed their very own TV show called Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens. The three-part series, which aired on W and UKTV Play, provided viewers with an unfiltered look at their lives as they prepared to welcome their second child, as well as being working parents.


After a successful first series, it was announced in January 2024 that the show had been renewed for a second series, which is due to air later in 2024.

Gemma Atkinson announces new podcast The Overshare

Gemma Atkinson launches her new podcast The Overshare on 21st September. The Hits Radio presenter will be talking with listeners for the most jaw-dropping, tear-jerking stories and some proper laugh-out-loud moments.

Gemma Atkinson released first children's book Dogs Don't Dance

In February 2024, Gemma teamed up with illustrator Lisa Hunt to release her first ever children's book Dogs Don't Dance.

The book's description reads: 'This confidence-building picture book is all about trying new things, embracing difference, encouraging our friends and defying stereotypes. Dave the dog wants to dance, but the wise pooches at the park bark in shock.'

Now read:

How to watch Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez's new documentary series

Gemma Atkinson: Everything you need to know about the Hits Radio presenter

Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez's full relationship timeline 😍

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online or ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio'.