Speculation has swirled she is embarking on a romance with Strictly pro dancer Gorka Marquez.
But Gemma Atkinson left fans even more baffled over her relationship status on Tuesday, as she enjoyed dinner with her rumoured ex Ryan Giggs.
The actress, 32, took to Instagram to share a snap of herself, dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec and the footballer, 43, enjoying dinner at his eatery George’s Restaurant in Salford – eight months after their alleged romance.
‘Back together?’: Gemma Atkinson left fans even more confused over her relationship status on Tuesday, as she enjoyed dinner with her rumoured ex Ryan Giggs
In the snap, Gemma flashes a beaming smile as she enjoys dinner with Ryan at the restaurant, which he owns, as well as partner Aljaz and two of their friends.
Clearly enjoying a night off from rehearsing, the blonde captioned the snap: ‘Thanks for having us! Fab night in George’s Restaurant introducing @aljazskorjanec to the old school gang #Mates #OldSkool’
However, the snap left fans wondering whether the pair were ‘back together’ – after she and Ryan were reportedly spotted enjoying an ‘intimate dinner’ back in February.
Off the market? However, the snap left fans wondering whether the pair were ‘back together’ – after she and Ryan were reportedly spotted enjoying an ‘intimate dinner’ back in February
‘Watch it!’: Meanwhile further fans poked fun at his ‘ladies’ man’ reputation
Puzzled over Gemma’s relationship status, her followers took to the comments to ponder: ‘Is that giggsy?’ before wondering: ‘Back together?’
Others chimed in with their confusion, writing: ‘Wait wait wait… Giggs?’ and ‘How comes Ryan Giggs is there?’
Meanwhile further fans poked fun at his ‘ladies’ man’ reputation, writing: ‘Watch it around Ryan!’ and ‘Giggsys getting involved’, followed by a number of laughing emojis.
Voice of reason: Yet, a number of other fans were quick to shut down speculation – as the group were dining at Ryan’s restaurant
Former flame: Reports surfaced in February that the pair had enjoyed dinner together in Manchester, with the footballer (above) ‘sneaking glances at her’ throughout the evening
Yet, a number of other fans were quick to shut down speculation – and reasoned the group were dining at the footballer’s restaurant, therefore explaining his presence.
MailOnline has contacted representatives of Gemma and Ryan for comment.
The Sun reported back in February that the pair had enjoyed dinner together in Manchester, with the footballer ‘sneaking glances at her’ throughout the evening – which came during his divorce from Stacey Cooke.
Hotting up: However, the photo also comes amid rumours Gemma is enjoying romance with fellow pro dancer Gorka Marquez (above)
A source told the paper: ‘They gave each other their undivided attention, and kept leaning across the table to get closer.’
However, the photo also comes amid rumours Gemma is enjoying romance with fellow pro dancer Gorka Marquez.
The Spanish dancer recently admitted that he was attracted to the former soap star, but was quick to state the pair were just friends.
Strictly platonic: The Spanish dancer recently admitted that he was attracted to the former soap star, but was quick to state the pair were just friends
Speaking to the Daily Star, the 27-year-old revealed: ‘We are just friends.’
However, the ballroom expert admitted that he is attracted to the Hollyoaks stunner, adding: ‘We hang out together and do some workouts and I think she is beautiful.’
The pair were later spotted sharing a lingering hug, as they enjoyed dinner after the show on Saturday night.
‘Beautiful’: Gorka said of the stunning soap star ‘We hang out together and do some workouts and I think she is beautiful’
The reports came after Gemma was said to have left fellow contestant Alexandra Burke, 29, ‘furious’ by the alleged relationship, as the singer is partnered with Gorka and is worried it could impact her chances of winning.
A source told The Sun: ‘Not surprisingly, Alexandra is furious about how it might impact her chances of winning. She’s very ambitious and is nervous about it all.’
A spokesperson for Gorka told MailOnline: ‘Gorka and Gemma hang out together and go to the gym together, but nothing beyond that at the moment!’
Fuming: Alexandra Burke was said to be ‘furious’ by the reports her Strictly Come Dancing partner Gorka Marquez is ‘secretly dating’ Gemma Atkinson
New flame? Gemma reportedly struck up a romance with Gorka Marquez after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing – despite insisting she has ‘no time for a relationship’
Cute couple: Alexandra is happily loved-up with boyfriend Josh Ginelly
MailOnline contacted Gemma and Alexandra representatives for comment at the time.
The romance rumours came after Gemma told OK! Magazine that she wasn’t looking for love on the dancefloor and said she barely sees Gorka.
She said: ‘The last thing I’m looking for at the minute is a boyfriend. I’m happy to be the crazy dog woman with meals for one. They’re like my kids.
Happy: Gemma previously said ‘The last thing I’m looking for at the minute is a boyfriend. I’m happy to be the crazy dog woman with meals for one. They’re like my kids’
‘There was an online poll that asked who I should get with and they said Gorka, so it started from there! I’ve only seen him for the launch and live shows. He’s a friend and the only thing we’ve shared is his guacamole recipe.’
The former Emmerdale beauty also weighed in on the ‘Strictly curse’, saying it won’t strike her and partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who recently wed Janette Manrara, because they are friends who sit around ‘burping’ together.
She said: ‘I thought it would be [awkward] but it’s not like that with Aljaž because he’s my mate.
Friendship: The former Emmerdale beauty also weighed in on the ‘Strictly curse’, saying it won’t strike her and partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who recently wed Janette Manrara, because they are friends who sit around ‘burping’ together
‘Hopefully the dance will look intimate when necessary but before and after rehearsals we’re sat around eating Nando’s, burping and having a laugh.’
The star, who is known for her dedication to fitness and her natural lifestyle also opened up about one Strictly essential, the spray tan, saying she opts for a quirky vegan version.
She said: ‘We all smelt like digestive biscuits because that’s what fake tan smells like. I had to ask what was in it because I don’t want chemicals on my body, but it’s a vegan spray tan, so it’s all good.’
Shimmy: Gemma will return to Strictly next week with partner Alijaz for a Movie Special