Gorka Marquez, one of Strictly Come Dancing‘s most beloved and charismatic professional dancers, has announced his decision to step back from the iconic BBC series after a remarkable ten-year tenure. The 35-year-old Spanish star shared the news with his substantial Instagram following, expressing profound gratitude for his time on the show, which he described as far more than just a professional opportunity, allowing him to build a career, find love, start a family, and forge lifelong friendships. His announcement marks a significant moment for the programme, as it bids farewell to a dancer who has become synonymous with its glittering ballroom.
A Decade of Dance: Gorka Marquez’s Strictly Journey
Gorka Marquez first graced the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom in 2016, quickly establishing himself as a fan favourite with his powerful routines, engaging personality, and undeniable stage presence. Over the course of his ten years, he partnered with several celebrity contestants, guiding them through the rigorous demands of Latin and Ballroom dancing. His journey on the show has been marked by memorable performances, emotional connections, and several near-victories in the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Key Partnerships and Achievements:
Marquez’s impact on the show can be traced through his partnerships. In his debut year, he was paired with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson. Subsequent years saw him forge strong connections and achieve significant success with his celebrity partners. In 2017, he reached the Grand Final with singer Alexandra Burke, showcasing a dynamic partnership that captivated audiences. Their routines, from an intense Paso Doble to a joyous Jive, frequently earned high scores and critical acclaim, demonstrating Marquez’s versatile choreography and coaching ability.
He continued to be a formidable presence in the competition, reaching the final again in 2020 with another EastEnders star, Maisie Smith. Their partnership was particularly notable during the challenging circumstances of the pandemic, providing much-needed escapism and entertainment. Their energetic performances, including a memorable street dance and an elegant Waltz, solidified Marquez’s reputation as a dancer capable of elevating his partners to their highest potential. Most recently, in 2022, he danced his way to the Grand Final with presenter Helen Skelton, forming a deeply touching and popular partnership that resonated with viewers. Their emotional journey, culminating in a powerful Couple’s Choice routine, was a highlight of the series and showcased Marquez’s ability to connect with his partners on a profound level, beyond just the dance steps.
Beyond the competitive aspect, Marquez’s tenure also included participation in the annual Christmas specials and various group performances, where his skill and stage presence consistently shone. His contributions extended beyond the main competition, enriching the show’s overall spectacle.
The Personal Side of Strictly: Love, Family, and Friendship
While Strictly Come Dancing is renowned for its dazzling performances and intense competition, it has also famously been a cupid for many of its participants. For Gorka Marquez, the show proved to be a life-changing experience not just professionally, but personally. It was during the 2017 series that he met Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, who was a contestant that year. Though they were not paired together in the competition, a strong connection blossomed between them behind the scenes.
Their relationship evolved publicly, becoming a beloved narrative for fans of the show. In 2021, the couple announced their engagement, solidifying their bond. Their family grew with the arrival of their daughter, Mia, in July 2019, and their son, Thiago, in July 2023. Marquez often shared glimpses of his family life on social media, endearing him further to his followers and showcasing the deep personal impact Strictly had on his life. He frequently cited his family as a primary motivation, and his commitment to them was palpable, often speaking about the joys and challenges of balancing his demanding professional career with fatherhood.
The couple has also collaborated professionally, launching a popular podcast titled ‘Lost In Translation,’ which offers listeners insights into their lives, relationship, and cultural differences, further cementing their status as a beloved public duo. This personal journey, from meeting his partner to building a family, was a central theme in Marquez’s farewell message, where he stated, "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 Road to Departure: Scheduling Conflicts and International Commitments
The announcement of Marquez’s full departure comes after a transitional period. Last year, he had already stepped down from his role as a full-time professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, a decision he attributed to scheduling conflicts. At the time, he explained that his burgeoning role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars in Spain, known as Bailando con las Estrellas, required a significant commitment that clashed with the intensive production schedule of the BBC show.
His involvement in the Spanish iteration of the popular dance franchise underscored his growing international profile and the demand for his expertise beyond the UK. Dancing With The Stars is a globally recognised format, and Gorka’s transition from a professional dancer to a judge on the Spanish version highlighted his evolution within the dance world. This initial step-down was a precursor to his current decision, indicating a strategic shift in his career priorities.
In his recent Instagram post, accompanied by a poignant black-and-white photograph, Marquez articulated the finality of his decision: "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." This statement clearly links his departure to the ongoing demands of his international commitments, suggesting a need to prioritise and consolidate his professional endeavours.
Broader Context: The Demands of Being a Strictly Professional
The role of a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing is one of immense physical and mental demand. Professionals are responsible for choreographing routines, teaching their celebrity partners, performing in group numbers, and participating in the annual Strictly Live Tour. The show’s production schedule is relentless, often requiring long hours of training, filming, and media appearances over several months. This intense commitment can be challenging for anyone, particularly those with young families or other significant professional obligations.
Gorka Marquez’s ten-year tenure is a testament to his dedication and resilience. Many professional dancers, while cherishing their time on the show, eventually seek new challenges or a different work-life balance. The physical toll of professional dancing, coupled with the constant pressure to innovate and perform at an elite level, often leads dancers to consider their long-term career paths. His decision to continue with the Strictly: The Professionals tour, which kicks off next month, indicates his ongoing passion for live performance and his commitment to the Strictly brand, even as he steps away from the main series.
Official Reactions and Tributes
The news of Gorka Marquez’s departure prompted an outpouring of tributes and well-wishes from fans, colleagues, and the BBC itself. His nearly one million followers on Instagram flooded his announcement post with messages of support, reflecting the deep affection and respect he has garnered over the years.
BBC Strictly’s Statement:
The official Strictly Come Dancing Instagram page released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging Marquez’s significant contributions to the show. The broadcaster praised his "exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years" and hailed his "warmth, commitment and character." The statement read: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography. As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come." This comprehensive tribute underscored the mutual respect between Marquez and the production, highlighting both his professional prowess and his personal journey.
Fellow Professionals and Colleagues:
Several of Marquez’s former co-stars and fellow professional dancers also offered their well-wishes. Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk, all long-serving and popular professional dancers themselves, commented on his post with heart emojis, signifying their affection and support. While the article notes that Michelle Tsiakkas has also left Strictly, the context implies her departure is separate, and she is not explicitly mentioned as commenting on Gorka’s post. These reactions from his peers underscore the camaraderie and strong bonds forged within the Strictly family. Gemma Atkinson, though not explicitly quoted commenting on the post in the provided text, undoubtedly supports her fiancé’s decision, given their shared family and professional life.
The Evolving Landscape of Strictly Professionals
Gorka Marquez’s departure comes amidst a period of significant change within the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer line-up. The article mentions that Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk have also announced their departures. While Karen Hauer and Luba Mushtuk are listed as commenting on Gorka’s post, the phrasing "Marquez’s departure comes after fellow professional dancers Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk announced they were leaving Strictly" suggests a broader trend of changes within the professional roster. This series of departures signals an evolving era for the show, which will undoubtedly introduce new talent to fill these significant roles.
The longevity of professional dancers on Strictly varies, but a decade, as Gorka Marquez has completed, is a substantial run. The show has a history of refreshing its professional cast to bring in new styles, energy, and personalities, ensuring the programme remains vibrant and current. While the loss of established favourites is always felt by the audience, it also creates opportunities for emerging talent to shine.
Looking Ahead: Gorka Marquez’s Future Endeavours
Despite stepping away from the main Strictly Come Dancing series, Gorka Marquez is not entirely "hanging up his dance shoes" just yet. He confirmed his participation in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour, which is set to kick off shortly. This tour allows professional dancers to showcase their incredible talent in live performances across the country, providing a different outlet for their artistry without the pressures of the weekly competition. His statement, "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," highlights his continued connection to the Strictly universe.
Beyond the tour, Marquez’s role as a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain is a significant professional commitment, indicating a shift towards a more evaluative and leadership position within the dance industry. His experience as a professional dancer for over a decade, having trained numerous celebrities and performed under immense scrutiny, makes him well-suited for a judging role. His playful comment about hoping to "hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way" as he watches from the sidelines in the future suggests a potential long-term aspiration to return to Strictly in a judging capacity, mirroring the career trajectory of other former professionals who have transitioned to the judging panel.
Gorka Marquez’s departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter for both him and Strictly Come Dancing. His legacy will be remembered for his exceptional dancing, his genuine warmth, and the beautiful family he built during his time on the show. As he embarks on new professional challenges and continues to prioritize his family, the Strictly ballroom will undoubtedly miss his vibrant presence, but his impact will remain etched in the show’s rich history.
