Gemma Atkinson emotionally reflects on death after being taught what 'real love' was

Gemma Atkinson has emotionally reflected on a recent loss as she was asked how she was coping. The Hits Radio host took part in a new question-and-answer session with her online followers where she was asked about everything from health and fitness to family life.

One of the questions touched on the loss of Gemma's beloved pet pooch Norman, which happened in June. The 39-year-old said her "heart was broken" when she and her Strictly Come Dancing star fiancé Gorka Marquez said goodbye to one of their family dogs.

Bury-born Gemma confirmed the upsetting news at the end of June by posting a moving video featuring pictures and clips of him from over the years with her and fellow dog Ollie, as well as Gorka and their two children - Mia, five, and one-year-old Thiago.

READ MORE: Gemma Atkinson reveals Strictly Come Dancing rule as she addresses truth of Gorka Marquez upset

Gemma has since shared updates on how she and her young children are coping as well as their second dog, Ollie. In the new Q&A on Instagram, the former Hollyoaks star was asked: "How are you coping without Norman? I lost my dog 2 weeks ago and I'm struggling."

Gemma shared a picture of herself and Norman and emotionally wrote in response: "I'm sorry for your loss. It's truly awful. There isn't a day that goes by where I haven't thought or spoken to him. I miss him excruciatingly [broken heart emoji]. He was my first responsibility, my first time learning what real love and loyalty was. I''' miss Norman forever."

The mum-of-two was also asked how Ollie was doing, to which she said: "He's okay. He's slowed down a lot. His back legs aren't how they used to be and he's started to make a mess in his bed or the house without knowing he's doing it. But he's 14. He's an old boy but he's a trooper."

Last month, Gemma shared a candid update on the family's grieving process after Mia had woken upset. She could be seen sitting with her mum, explaining she would be creating her 'brothers' Ollie and Norman out of Play-Doh.

Gemma showed their other pet pooch, Ollie, alongside them who thought that he may be able to get some food. "One of them's here. One of them thinks Play-Doh is food," Gemma laughed before Mia replied: "And one of them is up in the sky running about."

Alongside the post, the radio star wrote: "Mia woke this morning & came down crying saying she dreamt about Norman & it made her tummy funny and she misses him. It was 6 weeks last weekend when he passed away. We speak about him a lot but obviously she's still thinking about him a lot more than I realised.

"We sat and looked through his memory box and we've decided to make him out of Play-Doh this morning. I've never had to help a child through grief before so it's all new to me as well."