Gorka Marquez, a well-known dancer, made an announcement today regarding his decision to retire from Strictly Come Dancing after a decade of being part of the show. The 35-year-old shared the news on social media, citing scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain as the reason for his departure.

Expressing gratitude towards Strictly and the BBC, Gorka mentioned that his journey on the show went beyond professional growth. Over the past 10 years, the show allowed him to pursue his passion, find love, start a family, and form lifelong friendships.

Despite stepping away from the dance floor, Gorka revealed his excitement about participating in the Strictly Pro Tour and remaining connected to the show’s family. He expressed his appreciation for the support received throughout his journey and encouraged everyone to keep dancing.

Following his announcement, Gorka’s colleagues and friends from Strictly shared heartfelt messages, expressing good wishes for his future endeavors. Gemma Atkinson, who met Gorka on the show and later married him, also expressed her excitement about the times ahead.

In response to Gorka’s departure, Strictly Come Dancing released a statement commending his significant contributions to the show since 2016. The statement highlighted Gorka’s popularity among viewers, his creativity in choreography, and the joy of witnessing his personal milestones while on the show.

The news of Gorka’s exit coincides with the departures of other professional dancers from Strictly, including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas. The show’s producers have yet to announce replacements for these dancers, as well as for hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who are set to leave after the 2025 Christmas Special.