Gorka Marquez has defended Strictly Come Dancing's recent changes, saying "changes are good," as he watches the 2026 series from home after leaving the BBC One show following ten years.
The professional dancer, who joined the programme in 2016, competed with celebrity partners including EastEnders star Tameka Empson, singer Alexandra Burke and former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton during his time on the show.
At the end of April, Marquez announced on Instagram that he would be leaving, joining Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas in departing ahead of the 2026 series.
Life as a spectator
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning (October 22), Marquez told Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty how it feels to watch the show from the sidelines. "Oh, it's lovely," he said. "I love it, get to Saturday night, sat at home with the children, put the telly on and watch it. It's nice, there's no stress."
He added: "I miss dancing, though, but I don't miss the 24/7 overthinking, worrying, panicking. Because it's not about me, it's about that person [their partner] and I want to make the best experience for that person, so you are constantly thinking of ideas, routines, how I can do the best for them. So now I don't have the stress, it's just enjoy as a spectator."
Backing the new hosting trio
Marquez was also asked about the changes to the show, including the hosting line-up. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their long-running roles at the end of the 2025 series, and in May it was confirmed they would be replaced by the show's first hosting trio: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.
Despite the change polarising viewers at first, Marquez backed the revamp. "I have my opinion, and without offending anybody, I think people think it's big shoes to fill. It's not big shoes to fill," he said.
"I feel us, as people, sometimes we don't like changes. Changes make us feel uncomfortable, and we are very quick when something changes to go 'Oh, it's not like before'. So I think especially the audience needs to be patient, we need to be patient and give people a chance."
Praise for the new presenters
Praising the new hosts, he said: "Emma is amazing, Johannes is a superstar, a talented person. He's never done that before, let him have a chance. It's like when you go dancing and after one time you're like 'Oh no, it's no good'. Just give me a chance, you know?"
"So we need to be patient, let them just take time and let them get confident with it, and I think sometimes changes are good. Don't compare to the past, just think it's a new thing."
On having three presenters instead of the usual two, he added: "I think it's different, and I think he [Josh] brings the comedy, the sarcasm with the jokes and his point of view. I think it's great."
