'Taking care of ourselves is number one': Gemma Atkinson is left bedridden as she is struck down with the flu... after revealing Strictly dance training led her to GAIN weight

Published: 18:49 GMT, 23 December 2017 | Updated: 19:01 GMT, 23 December 2017

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She wowed viewers in the star-studded Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday, narrowly losing out to Joe McFadden after performing three incredible dances.

But Gemma Atkinson has found it tougher than expected to return to normality, after being struck down with the flu.

The 33-year-old soap star posted on Instagram telling fans she was unable to return to her normal fitness routine as she had been left bedridden by the illness.

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Bed bound: Actress Gemma Atkinson, 33, has been struck down with the flu after finishing her gruelling Strictly Come Dancing training regime

Sharing a video of herself sweating it out in the gym Gemma wrote: 'So today should have been my first day back doing this. However I've been struck down with flu.

'It started Y'day morn with what I thought was just a cold so I carried about the day and went to an event but I started feeling worse and had to leave early.

'I was home and in bed by 4.30pm. My joints were achy I felt sick and I was shaking & sweating. I attempted work on the radio today but the boys sent me home after an hour.

'I think because the last 4 months have been so full on mentally & physically with no rest period my body has just coped and ran on adrenaline.

Powering through: Gemma had been taking part in training right up until the Strictly final and has now revealed she the flu has left her bed bound

Dynamic duo: Gemma took part in Strictly with partner Aljaz Skorjanec, making it to the final but missing out on the glitterball trophy

'After a few days not so full on its like my brain has switched and gone 'oh, I now have time to shut this body down' Well, no you don't because it's Christmas!

'One thing the guys at UP taught me was to ALWAYS listen to my body & rest when needed. I'm gutted that instead of being In the gym starting my new program today I'm in bed starting a new boxset, however I know long term it'll do me no favours to attempt to train feeling like I do.

'Taking care of ourselves is number 1. I'm determined to get back in before New Year and I'll keep you all posted on my sessions and start blogging again when I do!'

Dramatic change: Gemma revealed that despite being a bit of the gym bunny, she had actually gained a stone during her dance training

Gemma is no stranger to a trip to the gym or two, although the Emmerdale star recently admitted she had been gaining weight during her dance training.

Speaking on ITV's Lorraine last month she said: 'I had no dance experience when I started,' she said. 'Mondays and Tuesdays are worst as you have an amazing weekend and you start again as a novice but by Wednesday you start picking up the steps.'

Referring to her penchant for sugary foods she added: 'I've put on nearly a stone. He (Alijaz) doesn't put on weight but I just look at them and put on weight.

'I like to think it's turned into muscle! I'm having the best time but its so tough. I start at 4:30am.'