Gorka Marquez has been one of the most popular pros on Strictly Come Dancing since debuting on the show back in 2016, thanks to his incredible choreography and his eye-catching physique.
However, on Tuesday, the star confirmed that he was stepping away from the show after 10 years, with the dancer being part of the ongoing exodus of pros on the show. In his statement, the father-of-two revealed that he was leaving due to a scheduling conflict between the BBC show and the Spanish version, on which he serves as a judge.
Alongside a black-and-white photo, Gorka penned: "After 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've decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
"I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity—over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful."
He continued: "Although I'm stepping away from the dance floor, I can't wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family. Now it's time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing."
Gorka made his debut on the show's 14th season, where he danced with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson, although the pair were the second to be eliminated. During his time on the show, he made the final on three occasions, dancing with Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton.
He also danced with Katie Piper, Katie McGlynn, Nikita Kanda and Dr. Punam Krishan. During his time on the show, there were two occasions when he didn't receive a celebrity partner.
© Guy LevyHowever, his biggest Strictly legacy is meeting his wife, Gemma Atkinson. Although the pair didn't dance together, with Gemma instead paired with Aljaz Skorjanec, they ended up bonding during the Strictly Live Tour, eventually starting a relationship. Gorka proposed on Valentine's Day in 2021, and the pair have since welcomed two children, Mia and Thiago, although they are yet to walk down the aisle.
The announcement understandably left fans distressed, as one lamented: "Always a favourite on the show and you made so many memories! Onwards and upwards," while a second said: "Sad news but you were an amazing addition. Can't wait to see what you do next."
© Gorka MarquezA third penned: "Literally struggling to find a reason to continue to watch at this point. The return of Strictly is usually like welcoming back an old friend to see us through the winter months. But with so many of those who we've grown to love over the years having left, it gives a feeling of uncertainty."
Cast departures
Gorka is part of an ongoing exodus of cast and crew that started last October when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed they were stepping away from the show.
In the past few months, several pro dancers have also confirmed that they weren't returning, including Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas, with Karen being the show's longest-running pro at the time of her departure.
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy LevyHowever, despite all of the cast departures, one pro dancer is adamant that they're staying put. Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, reigning champion Carlos Gu confirmed that he didn't intend to leave the BBC show.
"I [have] loved every single second on Strictly Come Dancing," he told us earlier this month. The show is the only platform that I know of that can really bring joy to a broad audience. On one night, we have five or six million viewers, with the final we have 11 or 12 million watching, which means that I can bring joy to 12 million people. Why would I leave? I'm not going anywhere, Strictly is definitely my priority."
© CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy LevyHe continued: "Last year changed my perspective on so many things. I no longer think about myself, instead it's now how can I bring joy to people who aren't happy in their lives."
