Gorka Marquez shared a bittersweet video with his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars on Wednesday as they prepared for their first night of tour. The dancer, 35, who this week announced that he had quit the BBC TV show, is heading on one last run with his friends and fellow stars as part of Strictly: The Professionals.
Sharing an update to his Instagram ahead of their first performance, Gorka gave an insight into how they were all feeling. While most said they were 'ecstatic' ahead of the show, the Spanish ballroom dancer said he was 'grateful' to be there with his friends. He captioned the clip: 'Opening night Feelings. Ready to celebrate and share dance with you all.'
Their tour kicks off at The Globe in Stockton-on-Tees and will wrap at Blackpool Opera House on May 30.
Gorka Confirms Permanent Departure
On Tuesday, Gorka confirmed his permanent departure from Strictly Come Dancing, putting an end to ongoing uncertainty regarding his future on the show. The Spanish ballroom professional is the latest high-profile name to leave the much-loved programme amid this year's bloodbath as producers make sweeping cast changes ahead of its 24th series later this year.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, he wrote: '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.'
'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. 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.'
Other Professionals Also Leaving
Gorka's departure from Strictly Come Dancing follows the news that fellow professionals Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas will no longer be part of the show either. Their replacements have yet to be announced, and Strictly bosses have still not announced who will be the new hosts of the programme following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the 2025 Christmas Special.
The dancer previously took a short break from the show after signing up for a three-week stint as a judge on the show's Spanish version, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, in 2025. A schedule clash with Strictly Come Dancing resulted in Gorka appearing as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks before travelling to Spain for a month, returning to the BBC show for its eleventh week.
Gorka met his British fiancé Gemma Atkinson on the show in 2017 and has been in three finals during his decade on Strictly. The couple have a successful podcast together and two young children.
Producers Seek 'Fresh Start'
Producers are said to want a 'fresh start' for the BBC One show, with new presenters to be announced soon after long-term hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decided it was time for them to go. It's understood that those with bigger online followings have been chosen over dancers who are not so TikTok friendly as the series tries desperately to attract a younger audience.
One example appears to be axed Nadiya Bychkova, 36, who boasts 19,000 followers, while Dianne Buswell, also 36, with 966,000 followers has kept her place in the line-up. Karen Hauer, who was Strictly's longest-serving female dancer, is a similar story with her 9,000 followers while safe newcomer Alexis Warr, 25, has a whopping 190,000.
A source said: 'Strictly is always looking for ways to increase its audience in terms of volume, but also in terms of attracting new, young viewers. Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal, and TikTok is the perfect medium for a show where music and dance is at the forefront. They won't simply lose someone from the line up because they aren't big on TikTok, but it might just be the thing that saves them from exiting the line-up.'
