ACTRESS Gemma Atkinson and partner Gorka Marquez have welcomed their baby girl into the world.

Gemma, aged 34 from Bury, said she "couldn't be happier" and that her daughter "certainly made an entrance." Their baby girl arrived on July 4, and was delivered at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Hinting that the birth had not gone smoothly, she added that the child had given the pair "quite a fright at times".

Gemma, who is the president of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, also thanked the nurses and doctors who delivered the newborn.

Announcing the news on Instagram, the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress said: "And just like that, we're a three! Our beautiful baby daughter arrived on Thursday, July 4, and myself and Gorks couldn't be happier.

"She's incredible and she certainly made an entrance, giving us all quite a fright at times! Little Miss independent already! Thank you SO much to the nurses and doctors at The Royal Bolton Hospital who did the most incredible job taking care of myself and my baby.

"You're all so wonderful and I'm so grateful to have had you all with me and to have been under your care these past 4 days.

"Back home now for family time and to introduce little lady to her big brothers Norman and Ollie.... Let the next life chapter begin @gorka_marquez."

Gemma and Gorka met on Strictly in 2017, when Atkinson was partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec and Marquez was dancing with Alexandra Burke.

Marquez, 28, said seeing her give birth had made him love and respect her even more.

He said: "Our beautiful baby daughter arrived on Thursday 4th July and myself and Gem couldn't be happier.

"She's incredible and she certainly made an entrance, giving us all quite a fright at times. @glouiseatkinson my absolute HERO! After seeing you go through all you did to bring our little girl to life has made me love and respect you even more.

"What a trooper you are. I couldn't be more proud of you!! Thank you SO much to the nurses & doctors at The Royal Bolton Hospital who did the most incredible job taking care of gem and our baby. Back home now for family time."