Gemma Atkinson has revealed the powerful body confidence message she is bestowing on three-year-old daughter Mia.
The actress, 38, is currently expecting her second child with fiancé Gorka Marquez, 32, and confessed she was feeling self conscious about her appearance while on a family holiday.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Gemma shared an adorable video playing on the beach with her daughter while clad in a colourful bikini.
Yet she admitted that she was struggling with feeling ‘swollen, bloated and uncomfortable’, adding she had ‘never had as much cellulite in my life.’
While struggling with her insecurities, Gemma revealed she headed to the beach in a pair of trousers but after witnessing Mia playing carefree, she realised that she didn’t want to pass on any ‘negative’ thoughts to her daughter.
Positive example: Gemma Atkinson has revealed the powerful body confidence message she is bestowing on three-year-old daughter Mia after setting an example on a family holiday
Candid: The actress, 38, is currently expecting her second child with fiancé Gorka Marquez, 32, and confessed she was feeling self conscious about her appearance while on holiday
She explained: ‘I bought some beach trousers to wear on this holiday, because even though im aware why it’s happening and how clever my body is, I’ve never been as swollen, bloated, uncomfortable in every day tasks and had as much cellulite in my life.
‘My boobs alone are 3 cup sizes up! 2nd pregnancy, almost 4 years older and with a little boy this time it’s been a lot harder on my body. (I know how we feel about our bodies is relevant to the individual and it’s just how I currently feel in MY body).
‘I got to the beach on day 1 of this holiday, looked at Mia playing and I suddenly felt relaxed. It dawned on me if I kept them on that she’d ask why I’m in trousers and i thought about the negative effect It could have on her down the line me saying “because mummy’s legs & bum are a lot bigger than usual”.
‘I don’t ever want her to feel like she should cover herself, especially on the beach!
‘So the pants came in handy to wipe up my non alcoholic cocktail but other than that, they haven’t been needed! Ive worn my bikinis every day.
‘The top of my thighs chaffed like a MF but we had an absolute blast on the beach and made the most incredible memories as a family.
‘I can’t belive next time we’ll have little man with us as a family of 4. We’re so lucky & so blessed ❤️
‘REMEMBER! Loving your body only when it’s “in shape” is like loving your pets only when they behave. Norm & ollie s**t on the kitchen floor occasionally but I love them none the less [sic].’
Sweet: Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Gemma shared an adorable video playing on the beach with her daughter while clad in a colourful bikini
Honest: She admitted that she was struggling with feeling ‘swollen, bloated and uncomfortable’, adding she had ‘never had as much cellulite in my life’
Gemma previously revealed she is ’embracing the changes’ to her body despite being trolled over her weight and being told she has ‘let herself go’.
She told OK! magazine: ‘I’ve carried a lot heavier this time. My legs have got bigger. My boobs have tripled in size – Gorka’s living his best life with those! I embrace the changes because it’s a sign that my body’s doing what it need’s to do.
‘I will always get this stuff – pregnant of not. Even with Mia, I wasn’t one of those women going “Oh no, I’m putting weight on.”‘
The Hollyoaks star, who announced last month she is expecting a baby boy later this year, also revealed she has postponed her wedding plans for the time being.
Gorka popped the question to Gemma on Valentine’s Day in 2021, four years after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing.
She admitted they have considered going to the ‘registry office just to do it’ but it would leave her family disappointed.
Though they haven’t done much planning, she said they have both agreed they only want close family at the nuptials but will throw a huge party to celebrate a week later.
Gemma said: ‘There have been a few times now where we’ve driven past a registry office and said “Shall we just go in and do it?”
‘We’ve not planned anything other than we know we want it really small and really intimate. We’ve agreed on just close family, a handful of friends and a big party a week or so after.’
Cute couple: Gorka popped the question to Gemma on Valentine’s Day in 2021, four years after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing and they are now expecting their second child
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