Gorka Márquez Quits Strictly Come Dancing After 10 Years As A Professional
Strictly Come Dancing fave Gorka Márquez has confirmed he’s “hanging up my dance shoes and saying goodbye” to the show after 10 years as one of its resident pros.
Last year, Gorka was not paired with a celebrity partner due to his commitments overseas as a judge on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas.
After a recent mass exodus of Strictly pros ahead of this year’s series, the Spanish performer confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that he had made the decision to step away from the long-running BBC dance show.
He told his Instagram followers: “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.
“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.”
He added: “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.
“Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy from the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way.”
Gorka joined Strictly in 2016, and during his time on the show, performed with the likes of Tameka Empson, Alexandra Burke, Helen Skelton and Maisie Smith.
It was also on Strictly where he met his now-partner Gemma Atkinson, with whom he has two children.
Over the last few weeks, it’s also been confirmed that Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas and Karen Hauer – who had been Strictly’s longest-serving professional – had also departed the show in the lead-up to its 2026 series.
Strictly is also currently on the hunt for two new presenters following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.