The professional dancer is touring with his Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after confirming his plans to leave the BBC show
Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez(Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)
Gemma Atkinson has been showing Gorka Marquez her support as his Strictly Come Dancing swan song got underway with a tour featuring some of the show’s professional dancers.
The professional dancer, who has been part of the BBC One dance programme since 2016, announced this week that he would be leaving the show after a decade. Over the years, he has competed with a number of celebrity partners, including EastEnders star Tameka Empson, singer Alexandra Burke and former Blue Peter presenter Helen.
But last year, Gorka stepped back from competing in Strictly’s 2025 series, with the news coming after he had already been confirmed as returning to the pro line-up for his 10th season, as he instead headed back to a judging role on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, a position he first took on back in 2024.
Now, Gorka, who lives in Greater Manchester with his fiancée, Gemma Atkinson, whom he met on the show in 2017, has made the decision to ‘step back’ from Strictly after 10 years. He made the announcement on Instagram on Tuesday (April 28), saying he will “forever be thankful” for his time on the dancing competition, but it is time to “hang up my dance shoes”.
Gorka is heading out on tour with his Strictly co-stars after confirming his exit from the show(Image: Handout)
The news made him the fifth pro to confirm their departure from the popular programme before the 2026 series gets underway later this year, with Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas also confirmed to have left Strictly.
Responding to his announcement on Instagram, Gemma said: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead,” with the couple going on to welcome two children since their meeting on the popular programme almost nine years ago.
She’s now been seen showing her support again to Gorka as on Wednesday (April 29) night, he was seen kicking off his last Strictly tour. He’s among the pros taking part in the Strictly The Professionals live tour, which runs throughout May and includes two performances in Salford, at The Lowry Lyric Theatre, and four performances at the London Palladium.
Sharing a picture of Gorka to her Instagram Story, the Hits Radio host said: “Opening night! Knock ’em dead @gorka_marquez. Always proud of you,” before adding a string of red heart emojis.