Gorka Marquez announced he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after ten years on April 28, 2026. His journey on the show has been nothing short of transformative.
Joining the cast in 2016, Marquez quickly became a fan favorite. He made it to the finals three times, partnering with celebrities like Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. Each performance showcased not just his talent but also his growth as a professional dancer.
His departure comes after he previously stepped down from being a full-time professional dancer due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars in Spain. Yet, he will still participate in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.
Reflecting on his time, Marquez said, “Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity – over the past ten years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends.” He met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson during the show in 2017, and they now have two children together.
The BBC praised Marquez for his exceptional contribution to the series. They echoed sentiments from fans who will surely miss seeing him dance each week.
Marquez hinted at future possibilities as well—he mentioned a potential role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show. This leaves fans wondering what lies ahead for him in the world of dance.
The dance community will undoubtedly feel his absence. As he prepares for this next chapter, one can’t help but reflect on how much has changed since he first stepped onto that stage.