Gorka Marquez has been flooded with messages of congratulations and praise as he achieved a personal first while continuing to enjoy his time away from Strictly Come Dancing, having quit the show after 10 years.
After reports of numerous exits from the BBC One dance show ahead of the 2026 series getting underway in September, the professional dancer announced at the end of April that he would be among the pros saying goodbye to the ballroom.
Gorka joined Strictly back in 2016, and over the years, he has competed with a number of celebrity partners, including EastEnders star Tameka Empson, singer Alexandra Burke and former Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton.
Departure from the Ballroom
When it was confirmed he would be one of the pros saying goodbye to the ballroom, joining Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas in leaving the show this year, he said that he would "forever be thankful" for his time on the programme, but that it was time to "hang up my dance shoes" and "enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way."
More recently, Gorka shared how it feels being a viewer now. "Oh, it's lovely," he told Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty on BBC Breakfast last month. "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."
"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."
Marathon Milestone
But Gorka is keeping himself busy and last weekend, as Strictly celebrated its Halloween special, the Spanish star was in New York as he ran the city's marathon for the first time. Days on and Gorka has shared pictures from his time running in the Big Apple and said: "New York City Marathon – 3:44:14 @nycmarathon. First one done, and what a place to do it! From the start to the finish line, the energy was unreal. Definitely one to remember."
"Not quite the result I was hoping for, but incredibly happy to have crossed that finish line and earned the medal, especially after suffering an ankle sprain just three weeks ago. I don’t think I’ve ever hated running as much as I did during mile 25. And then mile 27, trying to walk through zombie land… "
He added: "A huge thank you to @sports_tours_international for an amazing trip to my favourite city and the opportunity to race one of the coolest (and toughest!) marathons in the world. Already excited for the next one," before the comments came flooding in.
Support from Former Colleagues
Former Strictly co-star Neil Jones said: "Congrats bro," while actor Anthony Quinlan applauded: "class mate." Morning Live presenter Gethin Jones commented: "Superb hop a-long!" as Strictly's Vito Coppola and Nancy Xu showed their support by responding with heart emojis.
