Gemma Atkinson told 'it's heartbreaking' by fans as she takes 'small steps' to feel 'herself again'

Gemma Atkinson has been flooded with support from fans after telling them she had made 'small steps to 'feel like herself again' after her family's tragic loss. The Hits Radio host confirmed the loss of the family's beloved dog, Norman, last Sunday (June 30).

Bury-born Gemma, 39, shared the heartbreaking news on Sunday (June 30), posting a moving video featuring pictures and clips of him from over the years with her and fellow dog Ollie, as well as her fiance Gorka Marquez and their two children.

She said her "heart was broken" as she paid tribute to her much-loved pet who she said had given her her "first experience of being a mum and having someone other than myself to care for" alongside his companion Ollie before she and Gorka welcomed Mia and Thiago.

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The following day, Gemma took to her Instagram Story and speaking to the camera, she admitted she 'can't speak without crying'. She said: "Just to say thank you again, my hair hasn't been washed in days. Norman is obviously not here now, well he is but just not in his shell.

"The amount of white feathers genuinely. So much has happened these last few days which I will tell you about when I can speak without crying. But thank you for your messages, we're good and we're cracking on."

Gemma and Gorka have since celebrated their daughter's fifth birthday on Thursday and Gemma told how as Mia's day came to an end on Thursday (July 4), she debrief with her mum - and her words broke her heart. Sharing a typed-out message on her Instagram Story, the mum-of-two said: "Thought I'd got through today