Gorka Marquez leaving BBC show

By Thomas Beckwith · Senior Football Correspondent · April 28, 2026

Gorka Marquez announced he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 10 years on April 28, 2026. His decision marks the end of a remarkable journey that intertwined his professional career with personal milestones.

Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Throughout his tenure, he reached the finals three times with celebrities Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. “I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing,” he shared in an emotional Instagram post.

The BBC praised Marquez for his exceptional contribution to the show over the years. “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,” he expressed.

His relationship with Gemma Atkinson blossomed during their time on the show in 2017. Together, they have two children, and Atkinson remarked, “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead.” This personal connection has only added depth to his journey.

Though stepping back from Strictly Come Dancing, Marquez will still participate in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour. He previously stepped down as a full-time professional dancer due to scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars in Spain.

As he reflects on this chapter of his life at age 35, Marquez hinted at a possible future role as a judge on the Spanish version of the show. Observers are eager to see how this transition unfolds and what new opportunities await him beyond the dance floor.

Thomas Beckwith

Senior Football Correspondent

As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”