Gorka Marquez leaving BBC show

Gorka Marquez announced he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 10 years, marking the end of a significant chapter in his life. He made the announcement on Instagram on April 28, 2026.

Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and quickly became a fan favorite. Over the years, he has been a finalist three times with celebrities Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton.

The BBC praised Marquez for his exceptional contribution to the show, highlighting his talent and charisma. He expressed gratitude for his time on the show, stating it allowed him to build a career, find love, and start a family.

Marquez met his fiancée Gemma Atkinson on Strictly in 2017. Together, they have two children. He referred to his departure as a decision to “hang up my dance shoes.”

Despite stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing, Marquez will continue to participate in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour.

Key facts:

• Gorka Marquez is 35 years old.
• This marks his exit after a decade-long journey on the show.
• He hinted at a possible future role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando con las Estrellas.

The next phase of Marquez’s career remains uncertain. However, fans eagerly await his performance in the Strictly Pro Tour, which promises to showcase his continued passion for dance.