Gorka Marquez has officially announced his departure from the current season of Strictly Come Dancing, making him the fifth professional dancer to exit the show. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Gorka revealed his decision to step back from the series.
Accompanied by a striking black and white photo of himself walking away from the camera in a suit and dance shoes towards a studio door, Gorka expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Strictly had provided him. He mentioned that after stepping down as a full-time professional last year due to conflicting schedules between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, he felt it was time to bid farewell to the beloved dance show.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey with Strictly Come Dancing, Gorka acknowledged the show’s role in shaping his career, helping him find love, start a family, and forge lasting friendships. Despite his decision to step away from the dance floor, Gorka expressed excitement about joining the Strictly Pro Tour and remaining part of the show’s vibrant community.
In a cryptic nod to his future endeavors, Gorka hinted at a possible role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars Spain or even on the BBC show. He expressed his eagerness to take a back seat, enjoy the sidelines, and possibly contribute as a judge, thanking his supporters for their unwavering love and encouragement.
Having joined Strictly in 2016, Gorka danced with various celebrity partners over the years, including Tameka Empson, Alexandra Burke, and Katie Piper, among others. Notably, his partnership with Gemma Atkinson in 2017 blossomed into a personal relationship, leading to the birth of their children.
Following Gorka’s announcement, fellow Strictly stars, including Johannes Radebe and Nancy Xu, extended their best wishes. Additionally, Gorka’s departure adds to the recent exits of other professional dancers from the show, signaling a significant shake-up in preparation for the upcoming season.
In response to Gorka’s exit, Strictly Come Dancing expressed gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the show, praising his passion, charisma, and exceptional choreography. The show’s producers commended Gorka for his dedication and wished him continued success in his future endeavors, particularly highlighting his new role as a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain.