- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk
Gorka Marquez is reportedly ‘relieved’ to be bowing out of this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The dancer, 34, will be missing from the BBC show for three weeks this year to work as a judge on the Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas.
His judging commitments means he can’t have a professional partner on the new series and will be instead one of the ensemble dancers.
He will appear as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks and then will be gone for a month before returning in week 11.
However, sources claim Gorka is pleased he won’t be a major presence on this year’s series given the show’s recent controversies, according to The Sun.
They said: ‘Gorka loves Strictly and is so proud to be one of the longest-serving pros, but has said he’ll be relieved not to be there during another fraught series while the show and its cast are accused of toxic behaviour.
‘He’s very excited to have been part of the group dances, which were pre-recorded, and loves everyone on the show.
‘But this is the third series where they face questions about bullying, chaperones and everything else.’
A spokesperson for Gorka said: ‘Gorka does not feel this way at all; he is delighted to still be a part of Strictly alongside his Spanish filming schedule.’
Strictly has become embroiled in fresh controversy after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape.
The male suspect is reportedly being ‘quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse’.
Sources at the BBC have reportedly insisted the allegations do not involve anyone on this year’s series and said therefore the show will continue as normal.
According to The Mirror, bosses are confident the dance show, including its training sessions, can carry on. They also reported that a police investigation is continuing.
The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers.
A Met spokesman told the Daily Mail: ‘On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
‘This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us.
‘The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.’
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.’
There is nothing to suggest this is related to the current Strictly production.
It’s the biggest crisis the scandal-hit show has had to face, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen.
During the last series, Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC.
In 2023, Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about Giovanni Pernice, 34, being ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.
Whilst he was cleared of the ‘overwhelming majority’ of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment.
The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left ‘incredibly distressed’ following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing.
The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelled alcohol on their breath.
The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker.
A BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
BBC bosses are reportedly set to offer professional support to two stars of hit dancing show Strictly, amid allegations they took cocaine on the programme.
It was revealed the broadcaster has hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug use by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be ‘well-known’ on the show.
The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans.
A source told the newspaper: ‘The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously. Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they’re okay.
‘As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered.’
They added: ‘While drug testing won’t happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year.
‘The BBC needs to be sure nothing illegal is going on. It all depends on what the investigation finds.’
