(Image: Gemma Atkinson Instagram)
Gemma Atkinson hailed a 'role model' as she's seen getting glam before awful trolling
by Jessica Sansome · Manchester Evening NewsGemma Atkinson has been hailed a 'role model' as she was seen in a video getting glammed up for a recent red carpet before being subjected to awful trolling over her appearance.
The Hits Radio host took to social media to reshare a video from her talented makeup artist Thembi Mkandla who helped her get ready for her recent appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards, which took place on Monday (October 21) ahead of being aired on ITV on Thursday (October 24).
Gemma was seen posing up a storm on the red carpet with her Strictly Come Dancing star beau Gorka Marquez as they reunited after weeks apart as he's been working away from home on the BBC One dance contest.
However, their diaries aligned over the weekend with Gemma heading down south for a few days work while Gorka and his celebrity dance partner Dr Punam Krishan stayed in the capital beyond Saturday night's Strictly live show as they all made an appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards 2024.
Gemma, 39, and Gorka, 34, were seen strutting their stuff in complementary black outfits. While Gemma dazzled in an off-the-shoulder black gown that boasted oversized sleeves, ruched detailing and a thigh-high split, Gorka opted for the no-shirt look, covering up with a structured blazer and matching trousers which both featured intricate floral detailing with touches of sparkle.
And after sharing a bunch of gorgeous photos and videos of themselves together at the emotional annual event, Gemma's makeup artist Thembi shared a video showing how she created Gemma's look for the evening.
Sharing the clip to social media, she said: "Get ready with me and @glouiseatkinson for The Pride of Britain Awards," before Gemma responded: "Thank you for making my extremely tired self look so fresh!"
And it didn't take long for fans to flood the comments section with compliments and support for the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star.
@belouminous81 said: "Gemma is one of those women that young girls should use as role models! Beautiful inside and out! Down to earth, confident, resilient, real! Inspiring!" @deanerl7108 commented: "You’re so naturally pretty… everything else is a bonus." @spangles71 wrote: "You're such a great strong role model for young girls, you're amazing. Keep being fierce."
@deightonjanice posted: "Absolutely gorgeous. But you’d look good in a bin bag.ignore the jealous haters." @kimverney echoed: "Stunning, so glad you’ve got broad shoulders. Ignore the haters, they are only jealous." @georginakjones added: "You looked beautiful Gemma. I love how real you are, smashing it hun."
The comments come after Gemma called out the 'cowards' who has been leaving messages about her appearance online, with one troll saying she looked 'manly' and another saying she needs to 'lay off the daily workouts'.
Screenshots of the comments appeared one by one in a video posted to her Instagram alongside which she wrote: "Remember, people like this will always exist. Jealous and insecure because you're doing something they can't. Full of self hate because you're happy and full of self doubt because you're so confident...
"Don't let that stop you being YOU!" the former Hollyoaks star added before sharing various pictures of her doing Thai boxing, work outs in the gym and looking like she's loving every minute not matter how hard it may feel.
Alongside the video, Gemma wrote to her fans and followers: "At school, at work or on the internet people like this will always exist. DO NOT let it stop you being you! No one can make me change how I view myself or my body. Especially some coward behind a computer."