Gorka Marquez Announces New Dance Workshop Following Strictly Come Dancing Departure
Gorka Marquez has unveiled a fresh professional venture with a Strictly Come Dancing choreographer after reports emerged of his exit from the BBC series. The Spanish dancer, aged 35, joined Strictly in 2016, where he met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson, with whom he shares six-year-old daughter Mia and two-year-old son Thiago.
Strictly Cast Shake-Up Leads to New Opportunities
It has been widely reported that Gorka is among several dancers being removed from the show in a significant cast overhaul. Others affected include Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Karen Hauer. Despite this, Gorka appears undeterred, taking to his Instagram Story to reveal plans for a dance workshop later this year.
In collaboration with Strictly choreographer Arduino Bertoncello, Gorka announced that the workshop will take place in mid-May. He encouraged fans to sign up and provide feedback on their dance preferences to tailor the session effectively. "We will love to see you there," he said, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event.
Background and Career Highlights
Gorka Marquez has been a fixture on Strictly Come Dancing for nearly a decade, reaching the final three times with partners Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. In the most recent series, he did not have a celebrity partner, instead participating in group numbers while also filming the Spanish version of the show.
His relationship with Gemma Atkinson began in 2017 when she competed on Strictly with Aljaž Škorjanec. The couple have since built a family together, adding a personal dimension to his Strictly journey.
Broader Context of Strictly Changes
The reported axings are part of a broader effort by producers to refresh the BBC1 show, following the departures of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. This shake-up comes amid a series of scandals that have impacted the programme, including allegations of drug use and abusive behaviour by professional dancers.
Notably, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show in 2024, with Graziano exiting after claims he stamped on his partner Zara McDermott. Giovanni faced a BBC investigation over bullying allegations from his partner Amanda Abbington, some of which were upheld. However, there is no suggestion that the current departures are linked to any misconduct.
Reactions from Fellow Dancers
Fellow dancer Nadiya Bychkova, aged 36, is reportedly devastated by her removal, with friends accusing the show of ageism. A friend told The Sun, "Her axing smacks of ageism. Nadiya's one of the most popular dancers so she can't understand why she won't be back." Nadiya had been on the show for eight years, partnering with celebrities like Dan Walker and Matt Goss.
Additionally, Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, will not have celebrity partners this year, though they may still appear in group dances. In contrast, Nadiya, Gorka, Luba, and Michelle are expected to have no involvement in the upcoming series.
Looking Ahead
As Strictly Come Dancing undergoes this transformation, Gorka Marquez's new workshop represents a positive step forward in his career. The initiative with Arduino Bertoncello allows him to engage directly with fans and share his expertise outside the television studio. With the workshop scheduled for May, participants have ample time to prepare for what promises to be an exciting dance experience.
The BBC has not officially commented on the cast changes, leaving fans and dancers alike awaiting further announcements. Meanwhile, Gorka's resilience and proactive approach highlight the evolving landscape of entertainment careers post-Strictly.
