Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez announced he is leaving the show after 10 years, following the departures of four of his fellow professionals
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has addressed his departure from the beloved BBC programme after receiving an outpouring of support from fans. The 35-year-old confirmed he was stepping away from the series in April, bringing an end to his decade-long stint on the show.
At the time, he released a heartfelt statement to supporters, explaining: “I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to the popular BBC show.
“I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity, over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful.”
The Spanish dancer also expressed his intention to remain a viewer of the programme and extended his gratitude to all those who had supported him during his time on the show.
During the most recent episode of the podcast he co-hosts with fiancée Gemma Atkinson, Lost In Translation, the pair addressed messages from their audience.
One wrote: “I can’t imagine Strictly without Gorka’s presence and I hope he soars with his next venture. I hope Gorka hasn’t picked up a Scottish accent while on tour.”
Responding to the touching tribute, Gemma revealed she “loved” that fans continued to send their best wishes to Gorka after his exit.
Gorka acknowledged the kindness, saying: “I know, they’re so kind,” before adding: “But I’m fine.” Gemma interjected enthusiastically: “In fact he’s actually better, he’s better than ever.”
Revealing two aspects of life as a professional dancer he’s glad to leave behind, Gorka remarked: “My hair will grow now,” with Gemma adding: “And his back won’t be sore.”
In an earlier podcast episode, the former Strictly Come Dancing star tackled rumours suggesting she had pressured Gorka into leaving the programme.
Gemma stated: “Well, it wasn’t my decision, which I’d like to point out for everyone who’s messaged me on Instagram, saying, ‘You’ve finally got what you want now’. Absolutely not.”
Coming to her defence, Gorka interrupted: “She was happy when I did Strictly because she has her own space.”
The actress explained: “It was a nice break for me when he was doing it,” before noting: “10 years is a good round number.”
Last year saw Gorka miss the professional roster owing to his role as a judge on Spain’s equivalent programme.
Most recently, he participated in the Strictly: The Professionals tour, which wrapped up after performances throughout the country.
The dancer’s exit follows the departures of fellow professionals Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
The show has since confirmed its new presenting team of Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe. They will assume hosting responsibilities later this year, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down last year.
Meanwhile, the first contestant announced for the 2026 series is EastEnders star Lacey Turner, with more famous faces set to be revealed in due course.
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