Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the challenges she and her fiancé, Gorka Marquez, have faced after his departure from Strictly Come Dancing. The news of Gorka’s decision to leave the popular ballroom show has sent shockwaves through the TV community, as he has been a beloved fixture on the series for years. However, as the dust settles on this latest shake-up in the world of Strictly, it seems that the decision to quit has also had a personal impact on the couple’s home life.
Gorka Marquez Bids Farewell to Strictly
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Gorka Marquez confirmed that he had decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing for good after much deliberation. The 35-year-old professional dancer, who has been with the show for many years, announced that he would no longer be part of the BBC show, citing scheduling conflicts between Strictly and his other commitments, including his role on 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,” Gorka wrote, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities the show had given him. “Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity — 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.”
While the departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Gorka’s career, he revealed that he would still be involved in the dance world through the Strictly Pro Tour, which he is set to join in the coming weeks. Despite leaving the main stage, Gorka’s love for dancing and his connection to the Strictly family will continue.
Gemma Atkinson Reflects on Their Struggles
While Gorka’s professional life has undoubtedly seen a major transition, Gemma Atkinson, his fiancée and mother of their two children, has also spoken candidly about how their personal life has been affected. The couple, who met when Gemma was a contestant on Strictly in 2017, have had their fair share of ups and downs over the years, but in a recent resurfaced podcast clip, Gemma admitted that Gorka’s departure from the show had led to some frustrating moments at home.
In a clip from their Lost In Translation Podcast, Gemma recalled a recent moment when she found herself feeling irritated by Gorka’s actions after returning from a trip to New York. According to Gemma, Gorka’s behavior around the house became increasingly annoying as he walked through their home like a “tenant inspector.”
“I moan about everything,” Gorka began, as Gemma shared, “No… You walked around the house like an inspector doing a check on a tenant.” Gemma then elaborated on the incident, explaining how Gorka had noticed that items in the house were out of place after being away for a week. “I went upstairs, and I heard you say, ‘I’ve been away for one week, and you take my shelf,'” she recalled.
Gemma continued, saying that she had initially been irritated by Gorka’s frustration, only to realize that their children, Mia (six) and Thiago (two), had been playing and rearranging things. “Oh, bless them. They’ve not put stuff back,” Gemma thought to herself as she stomped upstairs. But as she reflected on the situation, she couldn’t help but think, “Shut the f* up Gorka”** in frustration, as Gorka continued his inspection-like behavior.
The Challenges of Balancing Family and Career
Gemma’s candid admission about her frustrations sheds light on the challenges the couple has faced as Gorka has navigated the pressures of his ballroom career alongside family life. With two young children and the demands of their respective jobs, it’s clear that the couple has had to find a balance between professional aspirations and family time.
For Gemma, the decision for Gorka to step back from Strictly means that the family will likely be spending more time together, but it also means that they will be adjusting to new routines without the constant pressure of Gorka’s grueling performance schedule.
Despite the ups and downs, Gemma has shown immense support for Gorka’s decision to leave Strictly, understanding that it’s a step that needs to be taken for their family’s wellbeing. While Gorka’s departure might bring about some changes in their personal and professional lives, it also marks the beginning of a new chapter for the couple.
Gorka’s Departure Reflects Larger Changes at Strictly
Gorka’s decision to leave comes at a time of significant upheaval within the Strictly Come Dancing family. This year’s cast shake-up has seen several long-standing professionals, including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas, part ways with the show, signaling a major shift in the Strictly landscape. Producers are reportedly seeking a “fresh start” with a new, younger cast lineup, particularly focusing on contestants with a larger online presence to appeal to a younger demographic.
The departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly from their hosting roles after the 2025 Christmas Special has also raised questions about the future direction of the show, further deepening the sense of change and uncertainty surrounding the show’s future.
A New Era for Gorka and Gemma
For now, though, Gorka’s focus is on enjoying more time with his family while continuing his passion for dance. He has shared his excitement for joining the Strictly Pro Tour and hinted at new opportunities that lie ahead. However, the couple’s journey is far from over. With their podcast, Lost In Translation, still gaining traction and their lives becoming even more intertwined, Gemma and Gorka are set to face whatever challenges come next, hand in hand.
In the end, Gorka’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing doesn’t mark the end of his career — nor does it mean that Gemma’s frustrations with him are anything more than the natural ebb and flow of family life. Together, they will continue to navigate their journey as a couple, with the love and support they’ve built over the years serving as the foundation for whatever comes next.
Gemma and Gorka’s candidness about their lives behind the scenes offers a refreshing look at the realities of being in a high-profile relationship while balancing career, family, and personal frustrations. It’s clear that while they face challenges, they also have a strong bond that will carry them through whatever changes lie ahead.
In the end, as Gorka said in his farewell statement to Strictly, “Keep dancing” — and it seems that, for both of them, dancing together through life is exactly what they plan to do.
