Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has defended the BBC show's recent presenter changes, urging fans to be patient with the new hosting line-up. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Marquez, who left the show in April 2026, addressed the backlash the series has faced since Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe took over as presenters.
Marquez Urges Viewers to Give New Hosts a Chance
Asked by host Naga Munchetty for his take on the criticism, Marquez said: "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 added: "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 Presenting Team
Marquez praised the new hosts, saying: "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?"
He continued: "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." Commenting on the three-presenter format, he said of Widdicombe: "I think it's different, and I think he brings the comedy, the sarcasm with the jokes and his point of view. I think it's great."
Life After Strictly and New Christmas Show
Speaking about watching the show from home, Marquez admitted: "Oh, it's lovely. 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."
Marquez also revealed he will star in a new Christmas dancing show, Xmas on the Dance Floor, describing it as: "a very different show to all the Strictly tours we do over the year. It's all those Christmas songs, with a little bit of glam of Strictly, we are going to have amazing singers performing, it's a bit of everything. I say it's like a panto show with the glam of Strictly."
When he announced his exit after 10 years, Marquez shared in an emotional social media post: "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."
Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has also publicly defended Widdicombe, saying he was "brilliant at his job" after his presenting style drew backlash. Speaking on the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards, she said the revamped line-up has given the show a "fresh" feel. Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.
