Professional dancer Gorka Marquez sadly won’t be a part of Strictly Come Dancing this year owing to a hectic life that combines several roles and bringing up his two children with fiancée, Gemma Atkinson
Strictly Come Dancing is back tonight (Saturday, September 26) for its first live show with 15 famous faces including Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer and Will Best taking to the dance floor in a bid to be crowned 2026 champion in December. However, one name synonymous with fans of the BBC One show that won’t be making a return this evening is that of Gorka Marquez, who starred as a Strictly professional dancer in eight series between 2016 and 2025.
The 36-year old Spaniard made his debut in series 14, partnering EastEnders actress Tameka Empson and was twice runner-up to lifting the Glitterball Trophy – with another EastEnders star in Maisie Smith and Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton. Whilst the trophy might have alluded him, Gorka found love on Strictly with former Hollyoaks star, Gemma Atkinson – despite the pair never dancing together. The couple are now engaged and share two children together.
Gorka announced he was leaving Strictly in April in a statement on Instagram, meanwhile.
The Latin and ballroom specialist shared a black and white snap of himself walking away from the camera, in a suit and dance shoes, towards a studio door.
“After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing,” he wrote.
Gorka continued: “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.
“Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family.”
What’s Gorka up to now?
New judging role
Gorka first joined the judging panel of Bailando con las estrellas, the Spanish version of Dancing with the Stars, in January 2024 for the show’s revival on broadcaster Telecinco and has remained in the role since.
Alongside Blanca Li, Julia Gómez Cora, Pelayo Díaz and Inmaculada Casal, however, he struggled with the intense filming schedules of both the UK and Spanish series was a key factor in his decision to leave Strictly.
Here Come The Boys
Back in the UK, Gorka remains active on the dance floor by headlining the upcoming Here Come The Boys theatre tour alongside former Strictly co-stars, Aljaž Škorjanec, Carlos Gu and Julian Caillon.
The dancers will be performing across the UK in 24 towns and cities next year – tickets are on sale now.
Strictly: The Professionals
Earlier this year, meanwhile, Gorka embarked on the Strictly: The Professionals 2026 tour alongside the aforementioned Julian, plus Strictly colleagues Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu.
A 2027 tour is in the works, but Gorka’s involvement is yet to be confirmed.
Festive production
Strictly stars are no strangers to appearing in shows at Christmas, and for Gorka that’s no different. In fact, he has established his own festive show – Xmas on the Dance Floor.
“Xmas on the Dancefloor is a brand-new festive dance spectacular starring Strictly Come Dancing favourite Gorka Márquez,” the show’s dedicated website states.
“Step into the shimmer and feel the rhythm as Gorka is joined by a cast of world-class dancers, singers and the fabulous Xmas Dolls for a high-energy Christmas show filled with glitz, glamour and festive fun. Bringing iconic seasonal hits to life through breathtaking choreography, powerhouse vocals and non-stop energy, the show promises a joyful night out for audiences of all ages.”
Gorka will be busy throughout December, with dates in Blackpool, Bradford, Gateshead, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, Manchester, Bath, Guildford, Cambridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham and Eastbourne.
Podcast
Gorka continues to co-host the Lost In Translation podcast alongside fiancée, Gemma with a new show every week. “The podcast where Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez lift the lid on life behind the scenes of their perfectly imperfect relationship,” the show’s synopsis states.
“From culture clashes to parenting debates (and everything in between), nothing’s off limits as they discuss the things that are always getting Lost in Translation. Expect laughs, honesty, and the occasional argument… plus your dilemmas, funny stories, and games to put their knowledge of each other to the test.”
Family focus
Of course, another primary driver for his Strictly exit was a desire to be at home in Greater Manchester more frequently to watch his two young children, Mia and Thiago, grow up.
Gorka described the family dynamic as “perfect” on a recent podcast show, but when asked if she was set on having another child, Gemma said: “Well, no, I don’t want to be pregnant again, but if someone gave us a baby… I’d rather have another dog.
Gorka went on to claim that Gemma often changes her mind, saying: “I never know with you, because one month you want another kid and [then] you want me to have the snip, so I don’t know which one.”
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