Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez quits after 10 years with cryptic statement

Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez has decided to quit the BBC show after 10 years there, and announced his exit via Instagram, where he shared his gratitude for the show.

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Gorka Marquez quit Strictly(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Gorka Marquez has quit Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the fifth pro dancer to leave this series. He announced his decision to leave via Instagram.

The star shared a black and white picture of himself walking away from the camera, in a suit and dance shoes, towards a studio door. His caption read: “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.

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Gorka Marquez’s post on Instagram

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Gorka’s pro shot for Strictly in 2022(Image: PA)

“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.”

Cryptically, Gorka then either referenced his job as a judge on Dancing With The Stars Spain or seemed to suggest he might judge the BBC show. Gorka added: “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 joined Strictly in 2016, where he was partnered with Tameka Empson. Throughout the following years, he would also be partnered with Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, Katie McGlynn, Helen Skelton, Nikita Kanda and Dr Punam Krishan. Despite being a fan favourite, he did not have a partner last year, as Strictly’s run conflicted with his commitments to Dancing With The Stars.

During his second year, Gorka met his partner and the mother of his children, Gemma Atkinson, who was partnered with Aljaz Skorjanec. Gemma commented on his post with: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead”.

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Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson(Image: Gorka_Marquez Instagram)

Several other Strictly stars commented on the post. Johannes Radebe wrote: “Oh papi, all the best.” Nancy Xu added: “Georgeeeeee let’s make the most of it you are amazing.”

Some stars simply commented heart emojis, including Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who are two of the previous four professional dancers to be confirmed as leaving Strictly this year. Nadiya, Luba, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas were all rumoured to have been axed along with Gorka and Neil Jones. Their exits have been announced, so with Gorka’s news, Neil is the only reportedly axed pro dancer to still be with the show.

Addressing Gorka’s exit on Instagram, Strictly said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.

“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show.

“We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”

Strictly Come Dancing appears to be undergoing a huge shake-up ahead of their next series, which will air in the autumn. Alongside the changes to the pro dancer line up, the show will also have new presenters, as long time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure in 2025.