Gorka Marquez, the beloved Spanish professional dancer, has officially announced his permanent departure from Strictly Come Dancing after a decade of dazzling performances on the BBC show. This announcement ends months of speculation about his future on the program, following his decision to step down from his full-time role last year due to scheduling conflicts with his commitments on Dancing With The Stars Spain.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on April 28, Gorka shared his decision with fans and reflected on his incredible journey with the show. He explained, “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.”
While Gorka is stepping away from the main show, he assured fans that he would still be involved in the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week. “Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour and continue being part of this incredible family,” he wrote. Gorka’s post was filled with gratitude as he reflected on his 10-year tenure on the show, which allowed him to not only build a career from his passion but also find love and start a family with fiancée Gemma Atkinson, whom he met on the show in 2017.
During his decade on Strictly, Gorka reached the finals three times, solidifying his place as one of the show’s most successful professionals. His relationship with Atkinson has become a fan favorite, and the couple now shares two children and hosts a successful podcast together. Gorka’s departure comes amid a significant shake-up in the Strictly roster, as several other professionals, including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas, have also left the show.
Producers of Strictly Come Dancing have been making sweeping changes to the cast ahead of its 24th series, which will debut later this year. It is rumored that these changes are part of an effort to modernize the show and attract a younger audience, with more focus being placed on social media influence. For instance, Dianne Buswell, who has over 966,000 followers on TikTok, has remained on the show, while Nadiya Bychkova, who has 19,000 followers, has been let go.
This “bloodbath” of cast departures follows a string of controversies and scandals that have affected Strictly in recent years, including allegations of bullying and inappropriate behavior from some of the professional dancers. As part of the overhaul, the show will also see the departure of longtime hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the 2025 Christmas special, leaving producers to search for fresh faces to take over. These changes are said to be part of a broader strategy to put distance between Strictly and past controversies, with an emphasis on providing a “clean slate” for the new season.
Gorka’s decision to leave is seen as a bittersweet moment in Strictly history. His time on the show was marked by incredible performances, notable partnerships, and a deeply emotional connection with fans, particularly following his romance with Atkinson. While he’ll be missed on the main show, his contribution to the Strictly family will always be cherished. “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,” he said, thanking Strictly and the BBC for giving him the chance to follow his dreams.
However, the news of his departure also highlights the increasing influence of social media and the changing face of Strictly. With the rise of TikTok and other platforms, producers are reportedly focusing on dancers who have large online followings, as part of their efforts to appeal to a younger, more digitally-savvy audience. The shake-up of the cast seems to reflect the show’s desire to stay relevant in an ever-changing media landscape, where online popularity has become just as important as dance talent.
Along with his professional achievements, Gorka’s personal journey has resonated with many fans. His relationship with Atkinson, which blossomed on Strictly in 2017, has been one of the most heartwarming aspects of his time on the show. Together, they have built a beautiful family and are not only partners in life but also in their creative endeavors. Their podcast, which they host together, has gained a following for its candid and relatable content.
As Gorka steps away from the spotlight, he made it clear that his journey with Strictly will always hold a special place in his heart. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing,” he wrote in his emotional farewell post. His legacy on Strictly will undoubtedly live on, with his contributions to the show and the relationships he formed with his fellow dancers and the audience leaving a lasting impact.
In the meantime, Strictly fans are left to wonder what the future holds for the show, as the departure of multiple high-profile professionals marks the end of an era. The search for new hosts and the introduction of fresh talent will undoubtedly shape the future of Strictly Come Dancing, as it tries to navigate through its challenges and remain one of the UK’s most beloved television programs.
Gorka Marquez’s departure is not just the end of a chapter for the dancer himself, but also for Strictly Come Dancing. His contributions, both on and off the dance floor, will be remembered for years to come, and his decision to step away gracefully from the show serves as a reminder of the importance of knowing when to move on and embrace new opportunities.
