Gemma Atkinson has reassured fans that her daughter Mia, six, is “absolutely fine” after being diagnosed with epilepsy 18 months ago.
The actress and radio presenter, 40, who shares Mia and two-year-old son Thiago with her Strictly Come Dancing fiancé Gorka Marquez, 35, took to Instagram to clarify recent reports about her daughter’s health.
She explained: “I mentioned Mia’s diagnosis during a relaxed podcast chat with friends, but I want to stress this isn’t a recent issue. We went through a scary time a year and a half ago, but Mia is now thriving and living life to the fullest.”
Gemma said the support she has received has been overwhelming, but she doesn’t want anyone to believe her family is still in crisis. “Eighteen months ago it was tough, and for anyone else going through something similar, I understand how frightening it feels. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many children grow out of absence seizures, just like Mia has.”
The former Hollyoaks star revealed on her podcast that Mia had experienced absence seizures – short episodes where she would suddenly zone out. Doctors advised Gemma to consider a keto diet to help with her daughter’s brain function, a treatment originally developed for epilepsy patients in the 1930s.
Gemma said the diet had brought dramatic improvement. “For the last six months she hasn’t had a single seizure. The school haven’t reported any, and we’ve not seen anything at home either. She has an omelet every morning, collagen in her yogurt without knowing, and the difference is incredible.”
The actress, who met Gorka on Strictly in 2017 and got engaged in 2021, also shared that the couple plans to wait until Thiago is older before tying the knot so that both children can be part of their big day.
