Fans were left shocked and heartbroken when Gorka Marquez, the charming Spanish ballroom dancer who has captivated audiences on Strictly Come Dancing since 2016, announced his decision to leave the show for good. After a decade of dazzling the UK with his dance skills, Gorka’s exit marks the end of an era for the popular BBC show, leaving many to wonder about the reasons behind his departure and what lies ahead for the 35-year-old star.
A Personal Decision
In his emotional announcement, Gorka made it clear that leaving Strictly was a personal decision. He shared with fans, “I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.” The dancer expressed his gratitude for the incredible experience the show had provided him, from building a career around his passion to finding love and starting a family. “Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity,” he said. “Over the past ten years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends.”
While many fans were left disappointed by the news, Gorka reassured them that his departure was not the end of his relationship with the Strictly family. He revealed he would continue to be involved with the show as a judge on the Spanish version, Bailando con las Estrellas, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Gemma Atkinson: A Supportive Partner
Despite the fans’ heartbreak, there is one person who is undoubtedly relieved by Gorka’s decision to step away from the dancefloor: his wife of six years, Gemma Atkinson. The actress and presenter, who shares two children with Gorka, has watched her husband compete on the show for eight years while she stayed home in Cheshire with their children, Mia, 7, and Thiago, 3.
It’s no secret that Strictly has been known for its “curse”, which has seen several relationships and marriages fall apart due to the intense chemistry between dancers and their celebrity partners. But according to sources close to the couple, Gemma is “not exactly against” Gorka’s move, as she’s relieved that the show’s demands won’t interfere with their marriage.
A source revealed, “Gemma won’t allow anything like the ‘Strictly curse’ to happen to their marriage. She adores Gorka and they have two lovely children together.” This thoughtful decision seems to reflect Gemma’s desire for her family’s stability, without the pressure of the ongoing Strictly show dynamic.
The Friendship with Jowita Przystal
Though there has been no suggestion of infidelity, whispers surrounding Gorka’s relationship with his fellow Strictly pro-dancer Jowita Przystal had surfaced. Gorka and Jowita, who became close during the 2024 series, were said to have shared a strong friendship. A source close to the show commented, “Gorka and Jowita struck up a lovely friendship,” with Jowita having gone through her own challenges while working on the show.
Despite the friendly connection between the two, rumors about a potential romance were quickly dismissed, and Gorka has remained loyal to his wife, Gemma. In fact, Gorka’s supportive role in Jowita’s career seemed to be more of a mentor-mentee relationship, with Gorka helping her navigate the sometimes complicated world of Strictly dancers.
Looking Ahead: Gorka’s Future
With his decision to leave the Strictly dancefloor, Gorka is now focusing on a new chapter in his career. A source revealed, “Gorka is looking for a role with more longevity.” The move to a judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas seems to be a step in that direction, as he will be able to contribute his expertise without the grueling physical demands of dancing every week. The decision to shift to judging might also offer Gorka the freedom and stability to spend more time with his family, especially considering his previous commitments to both the UK and Spanish versions of the show.
A Family-Oriented Future
As Gorka looks to step back from the dancefloor, his primary focus seems to be his family. Gemma has always been Gorka’s biggest supporter, and now that their children are growing up, the couple is keen to spend more quality time together.
Clare’s decision to leave Strictly reflects a desire for long-term happiness and a stable family life, proving that sometimes it’s family that needs to come first. His fans will undoubtedly miss seeing him perform, but for now, Gorka’s priorities are clear: his marriage, his children, and a career that allows him to stay connected to the world of dance while also being there for his loved ones.
