Strictly Come Dancing returns this evening (Saturday, September 26) for its opening live programme, with 15 celebrities including Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer and Will Best competing for the 2026 title in December. Yet one familiar face absent from tonight's BBC broadcast is Gorka Marquez, who appeared as a professional dancer across eight series from 2016 to 2025.
The 36-year-old Spanish performer made his first appearance in series 14, partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson, and twice reached the final without claiming the Glitterball Trophy - with another EastEnders star in Maisie Smith and Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton.
Romance and Family with Gemma Atkinson
While the trophy eluded him, Gorka discovered romance on Strictly with former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson - despite never being paired together. They have since had two children together: daughter Mia, born in July 2019, and son Thiago, born in July 2023, and got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021.
Last year, Gorka provided an insight into their wedding plans, confirming to supporters that he and Gemma will tie the knot once young Thiago gains more independence. He elaborated: "We will do it, it's just not at the moment. We are very good like this, especially with having the kids. Thiago is not independent yet so we don't want to go into the wedding and be carrying him or halfway through the wedding he starts screaming that he only wants mummy, you know?!"
Departure from Strictly
Gorka revealed his departure from Strictly in April through an Instagram statement. The Latin and ballroom expert posted a monochrome photograph of himself walking away from the camera, dressed in a suit and dance shoes, heading towards a studio entrance.
"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 stated.
Gorka added: "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."
Judging Role and Tours
Gorka initially joined the judging panel of Bailando con las estrellas, Spain's version of Dancing with the Stars, in January 2024 when the programme returned to broadcaster Telecinco, and has continued in the position since. Working alongside Blanca Li, Julia Gómez Cora, Pelayo Díaz and Inmaculada Casal, the demanding recording commitments of both the British and Spanish programmes proved to be a significant factor behind his choice to depart Strictly.
In the UK, Gorka continues performing and will star in the forthcoming Here Come The Boys theatre tour with former Strictly colleagues Aljaž Škorjanec, Carlos Gu and Julian Caillon. The professional dancers will visit 24 venues throughout the UK next year - tickets are currently available.
Earlier this year, Gorka took part in the Strictly: The Professionals 2026 tour with the previously mentioned Julian, alongside fellow Strictly dancers Vito Coppola, Neil Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Alexis Warr, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu. A 2027 tour is being planned, though Gorka's participation has not yet been announced.
Festive Show and Podcast
Gorka has created his own seasonal 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 official website explains. "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 has a packed December schedule, with performances in Blackpool, Bradford, Gateshead, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, Manchester, Bath, Guildford, Cambridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham and Eastbourne.
Gorka continues to present the Lost In Translation podcast with fiancée Gemma, releasing a new episode weekly. "The podcast where Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez lift the lid on life behind the scenes of their perfectly imperfect relationship," the programme's description reads. "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."
Naturally, another key reason behind his Strictly departure was wanting to spend more time at their Greater Manchester home watching his two young children, Mia and Thiago, develop. Gorka characterised the family situation as "perfect" during a recent podcast episode, though when questioned about 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 subsequently suggested that Gemma frequently shifts her position, 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."
