Gorka Marquez has spoken out about his exit from Strictly Come Dancing after being inundated with messages from fans. The 35-year-old announced his departure from the show in April after a decade on the BBC programme.
In a statement shared at the time, he said: 'I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to the popular BBC show. 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.'
On the latest episode of his and fiancée Gemma Atkinson's podcast, Lost In Translation, the couple read out messages from listeners. One fan wrote: 'I can't imagine Strictly without Gorka's presence and I hope he soars with his next venture.' In response, Gemma said he was 'better than ever'. Gorka added that he would not miss two things: 'My hair will grow now' and 'his back won't be sore', as Gemma put it.
During a previous podcast episode, Gemma addressed speculation that she was behind Gorka's decision to quit. She said: 'Well, it wasn't my decision, which I'd like to point out for everyone who's messaged me on Instagram, saying, "You've finally got what you want now". Absolutely not.' Gorka defended her, saying she was happy when he did Strictly because she had her own space.
Gorka was absent from the professional line-up last year due to judging commitments on the Spanish version of the show. His most recent project was the Strictly: The Professionals tour, which recently concluded. His departure followed those of co-stars Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas. New hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe have been unveiled, while EastEnders star Lacey Turner has been announced as the first contestant for the 2026 series.
