Gorka Marquez has confirmed he has left Strictly Come Dancing – two months after it was revealed he was in the running to be axed from the show.
The Spanish ballroom professional is the latest high profile name be leaving the much-loved programme amid this year’s bloodbath as producers make sweeping 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.
Gorka Marquez has confirmed he has left Strictly Come Dancing – two months after it was revealed he was in the running to be axed from the show
‘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.’
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 are said to want a ‘fresh start’ for the BBC1 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.
Strictly has been hit by a string of scandals including claims of drug taking and abusive behaviour towards contestants by pro dancers.
The Spanish ballroom professional is the latest high profile name be leaving the much-loved programme (pictured during the Strictly Come Dancing live tour with Alexandra Burke in 2018)
Pros Giovanni Pernice and Graziano di Prima both left the show, with Graziano going after allegations that he had stamped on his partner Zara McDermott. Pernice was investigated by the BBC over bullying allegations made by his partner Amanda Abbington, some of which were upheld.
There is no suggestion that any of the pros going as part of the Strictly refresh in the wake of the Departure of Winkleman and Daly have been involved in any wrongdoing.
The BBC said: ‘Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.’
