The multi-talented Gemma Atkinson is a regular fixture on our TV screens, appearing in a number of high profile series and soaps such as Hollyoaks, Casualty and Emmerdale.
In addition, she has braved the jungle in ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me out of Here!’, cooked up a storm on Celebrity MasterChef and graced the dancefloor for Strictly, where she met her partner, professional dancer Gorka Marquez.
This year sees the fitness fanatic launch her own gym kit range, GA leisurewear, along with a new book: The Ultimate Body Plan – a combination of 75 deliciously healthy recipes plus a workout plan.
“I created The Ultimate Body Plan purely because the way I felt and looked after doing the plan myself I just had to share and pass on to other women,” she says. “Not only did I improve my health which is massively important for all of us, I became more confident, happier, my body became leaner and stronger, my overall lifestyle changed for the better and I wanted other women to feel the same.”
Gemma’s love of cooking came from her mum and grandma. “Grandma was always baking and using fresh ingredients from her garden. She also did an incredible mac ‘n’ cheese. My mum was always big on making sure we ate our vegetables but always with the occasional ‘treat’.
“I’m lucky at home that my partner Gorka does most of the cooking. He’s Spanish so he loves to cook! I’m more of a ‘brunch cook’. I love making late breakfasts of omelettes, pancakes and milkshakes.”
Here Gemma shares one of her favourite recipes from the book – Spicy Salsa Chilli. She adds: “Vegetarians can get rid of the mince here and double the amount of kidney beans. Everyone should try this with sliced avocado or homemade guacamole!”
