Gorka Marquez has disclosed that he is experiencing significant physical discomfort from his dance rehearsals, following his announcement that he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after a decade on the BBC programme. The professional dancer, aged 35, has described the challenge of dancing for eight hours each day as akin to an ultra marathon, as he prepares for the forthcoming Strictly Pro Tour.
Podcast Confession
Marquez, who is engaged to his former Strictly partner Gemma Atkinson, shared his struggles on the latest episode of their podcast, Lost In Translation. The Spanish star admitted that his 'back is in bits' after the demanding rehearsals for the tour, which commences in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, on Wednesday.
He explained to Atkinson: 'It is not difficult to dance; dancing itself is fine. However, it is challenging to dance for eight hours daily. There is a distinction. Running is not detrimental to your health, but running ultra marathons is harmful. Running 5K is fine. Dancing for enjoyment is wonderful for everyone, for both mind and body. But dancing from nine in the morning until ten at night, at full intensity, is painful. I adore it, but it is incredibly painful. My back is in agony. Yet I love it; I love touring.'
Departure from Strictly
Marquez's admission regarding his painful training regimen comes shortly after he confirmed his permanent exit from Strictly Come Dancing, ending ongoing speculation about his future on the show. He is the latest high-profile figure to leave the beloved programme amid a significant cast overhaul ahead of its 24th series later this year.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, he wrote: 'Following last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing With The Stars Spain, I have decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing. I will always be profoundly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been far more than just a professional opportunity; over the past decade, it enabled me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and forge lifelong friendships. For that, I will be eternally thankful. Although I am stepping away from the dance floor, I eagerly anticipate dancing on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continuing to be part of this incredible family. Now it is time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines, and hopefully hold up a few paddles and award some tens along the way. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing.'
Cast Changes and Future
Marquez's departure follows news that fellow professionals Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas will also no longer be part of the show. Their replacements have yet to be announced, and Strictly bosses have still not revealed who will host the programme after the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly following the 2025 Christmas Special.
The dancer previously took a brief hiatus from the show after signing up for a three-week stint as a judge on the Spanish version, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, in 2025. A schedule clash with Strictly resulted in Marquez appearing as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks before travelling to Spain for a month, returning to the BBC show for its eleventh week.
Marquez met his British fiancée Gemma Atkinson on the show in 2017 and has reached three finals during his decade on Strictly. The couple host a successful podcast together and have two young children.
Show Revamp
Producers are reportedly seeking a 'fresh start' for the BBC One show, with new presenters to be announced soon after long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided it was time for them to leave. It is understood that dancers with larger online followings have been favoured over those who are less TikTok-friendly, as the series attempts to attract a younger audience.
For instance, axed Nadiya Bychkova, 36, has 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, also 36, with 966,000 followers, has retained her place. Karen Hauer, Strictly's longest-serving female dancer, has 9,000 followers, whereas safe newcomer Alexis Warr, 25, boasts 190,000 followers.
A source commented: 'Strictly is always seeking ways to increase its audience in terms of volume and attracting new, young viewers. Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal, and TikTok is the perfect medium for a show where music and dance are at the forefront. They will not simply remove someone from the lineup because they are not big on TikTok, but it might just be the factor that saves them from being cut.'
Meanwhile, Fleur East and Janette Manrara have reportedly been axed from Strictly Come Dancing's spin-off It Takes Two. Insiders suggest bosses are planning a major revamp of the BBC Two weeknight show following a series of scandals that have affected the franchise. Former Strictly pro Janette, 42, took over hosting duties in 2021 after eight years on the main show, while pop star Fleur, 38, joined the lineup in 2023 after reaching the final the previous year. Both stars are said to be in the firing line as executives push for a bold new direction.
An industry source told The Sun: 'Fans will be stunned that this bloodbath is continuing, but bosses are determined to overhaul the show completely. Nobody feels safe right now, and there is a real drive behind the scenes to usher in a fresh era after all the recent drama. The priority is a clean slate by September and putting distance between the show and the controversies of recent years.'
Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals, including claims of drug taking and abusive behaviour towards contestants by pro dancers. Pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show, with Graziano departing after allegations that he had stamped on his partner Zara McDermott. Pernice was investigated by the BBC over bullying allegations made by his partner Amanda Abbington, some of which were upheld. There is no suggestion that any of the pros leaving as part of the Strictly refresh following the departures of Winkleman and Daly have been involved in any wrongdoing.
The BBC stated: 'Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.'
