Gemma Atkinson 'nervous' over announcement as she starts countdown to huge personal move

Gemma Atkinson has admitted she's feeling 'a little bit nervous' as she revealed the countdown to her huge personal project. She is excitedly preparing for the release of her first beauty and skincare range.

The Hits Radio host revealed earlier this year that she would be branching out into a new area away from entertainment and her much-loved fitness with the new company recently being rebranded from Lil' Gems to Gem & Tonic.

At the time of the announcement, Bury-born Gemma said in a video: "I'm currently in the process of launching my very own health and beauty brand called 'Lil' Gems'. I'm so excited I can finally share it with you all. It's something that I've been quietly working on for the past six months or so."

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In the months that have followed, Gemma has been working with her team to host virtual sessions and issue surveys, getting the input of her fans and followers on what they want to see from the products she will release. She also took their advice when it came to renaming the brand before its eventual launch.

And on Wednesday (November 6), the former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale star had an exciting update. In a video posted to her Instagram Story, Gemma, 39, said: "I'm so excited to be doing this countdown. Eight days to go until our Gem & Tonic website launches for your pre-orders.

"You'll be able to pre-order your products in literally eight days. I'm so excited. I'm a little bit nervous but I really hope you, first of all like the website.... But eight days to go."

It comes after Gemma was recently flooded with support and praise as she called out the 'cowards' who have been leaving messages about her appearance online. While it's not clear what comments were being posted on, it appeared to have come after she hit the red carpet with her beau Gorka Marquez.

Last month, they made an appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards and Gemma, 39, and Gorka, 34, were seen strutting their stuff in complementary black outfits. While Gemma dazzled in an off-the-shoulder black gown that boasted oversized sleeves, ruched detailing and a thigh-high split, Gorka opted for the no-shirt look, covering up with a structured blazer and matching trousers which both featured intricate floral detailing with touches of sparkle.

The loved-up couple both took to social media where they shared a string of pictures and videos in which they could be seen posing up a storm. In one of the shots, both Gemma and Gorka could be seen giving their best serious yet sultry looks to the camera before they were also seen lovingly looking and smiling at one another in other snaps.

But after, Gemma appeared to be subject to a torrent of negative comments about her appearance, with one troll saying she looked 'manly' and another saying she needs to 'lay off the daily workouts'.

Screenshots of the comments appeared one by one in a video posted to her Instagram alongside which she wrote: "Remember, people like this will always exist. Jealous and insecure because you're doing something they can't. Full of self hate because you're happy and full of self doubt because you're so confident...

"Don't let that stop you being YOU!" the former Hollyoaks star added before sharing various pictures of her doing Thai boxing, workouts in the gym and looking like she's loving every minute not matter how hard it may feel.

Alongside the video, Gemma wrote to her fans and followers: "At school, at work or on the internet people like this will always exist. DO NOT let it stop you being you! No one can make me change how I view myself or my body. Especially some coward behind a computer." And the messages of support quickly came flooding in.