Gorka Marquez announced he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 10 years. He made the announcement on Instagram on April 28, 2026. Marquez joined the dance competition in 2016.
He previously stepped down as a full-time professional dancer due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars in Spain. Despite his departure, he will continue to participate in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.
Marquez has been a finalist three times on Strictly, partnering with celebrities Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. He expressed gratitude for his time on the show, stating it allowed him to build a career, find love, and make lifelong friends.
Marquez met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson on Strictly in 2017. They have two children together. The BBC praised Marquez for his exceptional contribution to the show.
He referred to his departure as a decision to “hang up my dance shoes.” In his post, he highlighted how much more the show meant to him than just a professional opportunity.
Observers note that he hinted at a possible future role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show. Marquez is currently 35 years old.
The BBC stated, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years.” Gemma Atkinson also expressed her excitement about their journey together.
The next chapter for Marquez remains uncertain, but he has left an indelible mark on the series.
