Gorka Marquez has confirmed that he is stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing after 10 years on the BBC show, admitting the grueling demands of the job have taken a toll on his body.
Gorka’s Struggles with Pain and Rehearsals
The 35-year-old professional dancer revealed that dancing eight hours a day for the Strictly Pro Tour has left him in “excruciating pain,” explaining that his back is “in bits” after the intense rehearsals. In a candid conversation with fiancée Gemma Atkinson on their podcast Lost In Translation, Gorka compared the strain of long rehearsals to running an ultra-marathon, stating, “Dancing for fun is amazing, but dancing for 8 hours a day is painful. My back is in bits, but I love it. It’s bloody painful.”
Gorka’s Departure from Strictly Confirmed 
Just days after this emotional admission, Gorka announced he was officially leaving Strictly after over a decade on the show. The announcement comes amid major cast changes for the 2026 season, with other professionals also exiting. He took to Instagram to thank Strictly for everything it had given him over the years, including career success, love, and lifelong friendships.
Gorka shared: “I’ve decided it’s time to hang up my dance shoes. I’ve had an amazing journey, and I’ll always be grateful for everything Strictly has given me. Now, it’s time for a new chapter.”
A Shift in the Strictly Roster
Gorka’s exit follows several other departures from the Strictly team, including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Producers are said to be making sweeping changes to the show, with some reports suggesting a focus on fresh faces and increasing social media presence, as many of the remaining dancers have massive online followings.
A New Era for Strictly
As Gorka steps away from the dance floor, Strictly producers are looking to reshape the show for a younger audience. Major cast changes are expected, and new presenters will soon be announced following Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s departure after the 2025 Christmas special.
Gorka, who became engaged to Gemma Atkinson in 2019, has already signed up for the Strictly Pro Tour, where he will continue to dance while taking a step back from the main BBC show. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming tour, stating, “I’m still excited to be part of this incredible family and can’t wait to hit the road.”
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
