Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has confirmed that he won’t be returning as a competitor in the next season.
The Spanish dancer, 34, has been competing in the BBC show since 2016 and has been a fan favourite who placed as runner up on three separate occasions.
Gorka was forced to break a few hearts on social media as he announced to fans that a new gig would clash with Strictly this year.
‘I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.
‘Due to the filming dates, this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly.’
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
However, he added as a caveat that he would be back for some dance numbers and towards the end of the series in the final months of the year.
‘But I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the Show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES.
‘As always thank you for all The love and support❤️🙏
and remember! Keep dancing!!!’
Fans were quick to congratulate the star, but didn’t hide their devastation that he wouldn’t be competing.
‘Noooooo! Strictly won’t be the same without you! ❤️✨️ I hope you enjoy every minute of it! ❤️’ commented allthingskps_.
‘Congratulations Gorka,but won’t lie i am sad I won’t see you with a partner in strictly 😕 love watching you dance ❤️,’ said tinamccann84.
‘Congratulations and very well deserved too. It won’t be the same without you on Strictly 😢,’ said sjhnce.
‘Congratulations, but GUTTED you won’t be getting a partner 😢,’ said karldennissgray.
Gorka has had some memorable partners over the year, coming in second place with Alexandra Burke in season 15 in 2017, Maisie Smith in 2020, and Helen Skelton in 2022.
The professional has sat out of a season before. In 2019, he was demoted from the main professional line-up, but participated in dance numbers with the group of pros.
In 2024, the star was partnered with Dr Punam Krishan and was eliminated in fifth place.
This news comes as the BBC show has come under scrutiny, and a probe is launched to investigate claims of cocaine use by two stars, with a fresh claim that one of the stars involved was also drinking on the show.
According to The Sun, a celebrity has alleged that it was ‘well known on the show that two stars took cocaine.’
In response to the allegations, BBC bosses are said to have launched an enquiry using external lawyers.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
