Gorka Marquez Maintains Positive Demeanour Following Strictly Come Dancing Exit Reports
Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has been spotted looking remarkably cheerful for the first time since news broke of his apparent departure from the BBC's flagship dance competition. The 35-year-old Spanish dancer, who joined the series in 2016, was seen flashing a broad smile while heading to a gym in Manchester on Monday, seemingly unfazed by the reported mass cull of dancers that has also affected colleagues Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Casual Appearance Amid Professional Uncertainty
Arriving in his modest £100 Land Rover, Marquez presented a relaxed figure dressed for his workout in a black jumper paired with grey joggers, trainers, and a distinctive neon green beanie. This sighting comes just days after widespread reports indicated that BBC producers are seeking a fresh start for Strictly Come Dancing, following the announced departures of long-standing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Gorka Marquez has been an integral part of Strictly Come Dancing for nearly a decade, having reached the final on three separate occasions with celebrity partners Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. His connection to the show extends beyond professional achievements, as it was on Strictly that he met his fiancée, British actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he now shares six-year-old daughter Mia and two-year-old son Thiago.
Broader Context of Strictly's Major Reshuffle
The reported dancer cull represents a significant shake-up for the BBC programme, which has recently faced multiple controversies including allegations of drug use and abusive behaviour towards contestants by professional dancers. Notably, pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show in 2024 under separate circumstances, with di Prima departing following allegations that he stamped on his partner Zara McDermott, while Pernice was investigated over bullying claims made by his partner Amanda Abbington.
It is important to emphasise that there is no suggestion whatsoever that any of the dancers reportedly leaving as part of this refresh—including Marquez, Bychkova, Mushtuk, and Tsiakkas—have been involved in any wrongdoing. The BBC appears to be implementing a comprehensive overhaul aimed at revitalising the programme after a challenging period.
Colleagues React to Reported Departures
Fellow dancer Nadiya Bychkova, who has been part of Strictly for eight years partnering with celebrities including TV presenter Dan Walker and actor Davood Ghadami, is reportedly devastated by her axing. Friends of the 36-year-old Ukrainian dancer have accused the show of ageism, with one source telling The Sun: "Her axing smacks of ageism. Nadiya's one of the most popular dancers so she can't understand why she won't be back. She's devastated—the show is her life."
Meanwhile, other professional dancers are also affected by the changes. Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, will not receive celebrity partners for the upcoming series, though they may still participate in group dances—unlike Marquez, Bychkova, Mushtuk, and Tsiakkas, who appear to be leaving the programme entirely. Luba Mushtuk, who joined the show in 2017 and partnered with figures like rower James Cracknell and TV presenter Nick Knowles, also did not have a celebrity partner in the most recent series.
Marquez's absence from the 2023 series, where he participated only in group numbers while also filming the Spanish version of Strictly, may have foreshadowed these broader changes. As the BBC moves forward with what insiders describe as a complete refresh of the programme, the sight of Gorka Marquez maintaining his cheerful disposition suggests he is approaching this professional transition with characteristic positivity.
