Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez has revealed the emotional struggle behind the glitter and glamour of the hit BBC show, confessing that the intense rehearsal schedule is keeping him apart from his young family for extended periods.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Strictly Season
In a candid moment that will resonate with working parents everywhere, the professional dancer shared that he's currently spending weeks away from his partner Gemma Atkinson and their two children. "I haven't seen them for two weeks," Márquez disclosed, highlighting the personal sacrifices made during the competition's most demanding period.
Family First: The Dancer's Priority
The Spanish-born dancer, who shares daughter Mia and son Thiago with former Hollyoaks actress Atkinson, emphasised that family remains his ultimate priority despite the professional commitments. "I miss them," he stated simply, capturing the universal sentiment of parents balancing career and family life.
Márquez's confession came during preparations for what promises to be another spectacular series of the beloved dancing competition. The professional dancer is set to return to the ballroom floor when the new season launches this autumn, though the BBC has yet to confirm his celebrity partner.
A Supportive Partnership
The couple, who met on Strictly in 2017 when Atkinson competed, have become one of the show's most beloved success stories. Their relationship has flourished despite the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, with both frequently sharing glimpses of their family life with devoted fans on social media.
Atkinson herself has been open about supporting Márquez through the gruelling Strictly schedule, previously describing the months from August to December as "the Strictly bubble" that requires significant adjustment for their entire household.
The Price of Entertainment Glory
Márquez's heartfelt admission sheds light on the less-glamorous side of television entertainment, where behind-the-scenes sacrifices often go unseen by audiences. The physical and emotional demands of the competition are well-documented, but the family separations represent another layer of challenge for the professional dancers.
As Strictly fans eagerly await the new season, Márquez's openness serves as a poignant reminder of the real lives continuing beyond the dance floor's sparkle and Saturday night's applause.
