In a bombshell announcement that sent shockwaves through the Strictly Come Dancing community, beloved Spanish ballroom star Gorka Marquez, 35, revealed that he is stepping away from the show after nearly a decade of dazzling performances. The news came as a massive blow to fans who have long swooned over his partnership with some of the UK’s most famous celebrities. But beneath the surface of his exit, there are whispers of deeper reasons behind his decision—one that involves his devoted wife Gemma Atkinson and unexpected speculations about his relationship with fellow dancer Jowita Przystal.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye: Gorka’s Emotional Exit
Gorka, who joined the BBC flagship show in 2016, made the decision to leave Strictly after a major cast shake-up, which has already seen popular dancers like Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk part ways with the show. Gorka’s fans were devastated to hear that their favourite dancer was saying goodbye, with the Spanish star addressing the heartbreak directly. In a heartfelt statement to his followers, Gorka expressed his gratitude to the show, stating, “Being part of Strictly has been so much more than just a professional opportunity—over the past ten years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends.”
But Gorka’s departure isn’t just about the end of an era on the show—it’s also the beginning of a new chapter for the dancer, who hinted at future aspirations. He shared, “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.” Could this be a sign of Gorka’s desire for a more stable role within the Strictly family? Only time will tell.
Gemma Atkinson’s Relief: Avoiding the “Strictly Curse”
For Gorka, leaving the dancefloor might be a blessing in disguise—especially for his wife, actress and radio host Gemma Atkinson, who has been a constant presence in his life since they met on Strictly in 2017. Gemma, 41, is reportedly “not exactly against” Gorka’s decision, as the couple’s family life in Cheshire has meant a delicate balance between their busy careers.
Gorka’s exit is especially poignant for Gemma, who has watched her husband compete on prime-time television while raising their children, Mia, 7, and Thiago, 3, away from the spotlight. While the Strictly ‘curse’ has torn many relationships apart, sources close to the couple suggest that Gemma is relieved that Gorka won’t be exposed to the pressures of the show any longer. “Gemma won’t allow anything like the ‘Strictly curse’ to happen to their marriage,” a source said. “She adores Gorka and they have two lovely children together.”
For any wife, knowing your partner is no longer involved in the drama of the Strictly ballroom—a world rife with flirtations and relationships—is a relief.
The Rumours: Gorka’s Close Bond with Jowita Przystal
Despite no allegations or evidence suggesting anything untoward, there were whispers about Gorka’s friendship with fellow dancer Jowita Przystal, who was involved in a rumoured romance with TOWIE star Pete Wicks in 2024. The connection between Gorka and Jowita sparked gossip, with some sources suggesting that their friendship might evolve into something more. But those rumours were quickly shot down, with insiders confirming that there is no romantic involvement between them.
However, the friendship between Gorka and Jowita had its fair share of scrutiny, with one anonymous insider commenting, “She’s beautiful, I’m not sure if I was Gorka’s wife I would like that, even though he is doing absolutely nothing wrong.” For many, the close connection between the two dancers raised eyebrows, especially given Jowita’s rising fame within the Strictly ranks.
A New Path: Gorka’s Future Beyond the Dancefloor
As Gorka moves on from the Strictly stage, sources say he’s looking for a more long-term role, one that can offer stability and growth. His recent stint as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, has proven to be a perfect stepping stone for his career. Gorka is expected to continue in this role, with insiders suggesting that judging is the natural next step for him in his career.
“Judging is the obvious step forward for him,” one Strictly source said. “He thoroughly enjoyed his time on Bailando and wants to focus on that for the time being.” Could we see Gorka return to the UK version of Strictly one day as a judge? Time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—his exit from the competition hasn’t been the end of his Strictly journey.
The Show’s Loss: Strictly’s Controversies Pile Up
Gorka’s departure comes as yet another blow to a show that has been rocked by controversy over the past few years. From Giovanni Pernice’s forced departure following allegations from his partner Amanda Abbington to Graziano Di Prima’s sudden exit after an outburst on set, Strictly has faced its fair share of scandals. In fact, Gorka’s decision to leave is viewed as a rare moment of clarity for the show, which has struggled with reputation management in recent months.
While Gorka has managed to avoid any scandals—unlike his co-stars—his departure is still a significant loss for the BBC. “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,” a BBC statement read.
What’s Next for Gorka?
Though Gorka’s Strictly days may be over, his journey is far from finished. With a promising future in the world of judging, and his family by his side, the former ballroom champion has much to look forward to.
For fans who’ve followed his career for nearly a decade, his exit is bittersweet. But with his focus now on new horizons, Gorka’s legacy—both as a dancer and a family man—will undoubtedly continue to inspire.
Gorka Marquez’s exit marks the end of an era for Strictly, but it’s only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for him. What comes next for this beloved star is anyone’s guess—but one thing is clear: Gorka’s journey is far from over.
