Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson have shared their support after Dr Punam Krishan revealed she has secretly been battling breast cancer.
Dr Punam, who is Morning Live’s resident GP, was partnered with Gorka on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. And the pair have stayed friends.
Last night (January 4), 42-year-old Dr Punam shared a selfie of herself in hospital, and revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Dr Punam shares cancer diagnosis
Posting on Instagram, she shared: “Here goes… Five months ago, I heard the words nobody ever wants to hear: You have cancer. I still find it hard to write that sentence. But it’s my reality and my truth.
“I’ve spent almost two decades as a doctor, supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses. And yet, nothing – absolutely nothing – prepares you for being on the receiving end yourself. The shock. The fear. The trauma. In that moment, knowledge means very little.
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
She continued: “Since then, I’ve taken things one day at a time because that’s all I could do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be cared for by the most extraordinary NHS team, from my GP through to my breast and oncology teams. And still… it’s been really hard. Much harder than I ever imagined.”
Dr Punam then revealed why she’s kept the diagnosis to herself for so long. “I’ve kept this private while going through treatment, trying to protect my energy and most of all – my children.”
Dr Punam has two children – son Aarish, 12, and daughter Ellora, five.
“My husband, my family and a small circle of friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget. When something like this happens, you realise very quickly what – and who – truly matters.”
‘Early detection saved my life’
The GP then shared news about the end of her treatment. She said: “I’ve now completed treatment and I’m healing. Grateful. Relieved. Still shaken. All of those things can exist at once.
“I’m sharing this now because carrying it quietly has been heavy. Because I’ve always believed in honesty. And because life rarely looks like the highlight reel, even when it seems that way from the outside.”
She added: “Cancer doesn’t discriminate. I had no family history. I was well. I’m a doctor. And yet – here I am. What I’ve learned most is this: early detection saves lives. It saved mine.”
Dr Punam then revealed how she came to be diagnosed. “My story began with an unusual feeling – a gut instinct. Listening to it mattered. Please know your body. Trust yourself. And act early if something doesn’t feel right.
“This experience has changed me. It’s taken me to very dark places mentally – conversations about your own mortality will do that. But it’s also stripped life back to what truly matters. Your health is everything. Not work. Not possessions. Not perfection.”
She then concluded: “I have so much more to share when I’m ready. For now, thank you for being here and for holding space with such kindness.”
Gorka and Gemma rally round
Gorka Marquez and his fiancée Gemma Atkinson were among those reacting to Dr Punam’s news.
Gorka and Punam were paired on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. He said: “I know you and I know you will get through this! And we will be sat having a coffee and a croissant.”
Gemma also commented and said: “Oh gosh Punam. Sending you lots of love.”
Amy Dowden, who has also been through a breast cancer diagnosis, shared: “You got this pink sister xxxxxxx sending so much love xxxxxxxxx.”
Karen Hauer added: “Sending you all the love. You’ve got this.” Neil Jones also commented. He said: “Sending you all my love and strength.”
Read more: Inside Strictly star Neil Jones’ difficult few months – family ‘racism’ row; death; Strictly ‘snub’
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Nancy Brown
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