A Strictly Come Dancing professional has announced they won’t be competing in the new series of the BBC show this autumn.
Gorka Marquez, who joined Strictly almost 10 years ago, confirmed the news in a post on Instagram last night (August 6), and fans have said “it won’t be the same” without him.
The 34-year-old dancer will be absent for around three weeks and won’t be partnered with a celebrity for the 2025 programme, as from September he is due to appear as a judge on the Spanish version known as ‘Bailando Con Las Estrellas’.
However, it’s not all bad news for viewers as Gorka has revealed he will still be taking part in a lot of the group numbers with the rest of the Strictly professionals.
@bbcstrictly We are so back… #Strictly ♬ suono originale - New60s70srevenge
Gorka Marquez won't be competing in Strictly 2025
Writing on Instagram to his 973k followers, he said: “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 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!!!”
Taking to the comments, fans were eager to congratulate Gorka on his latest career move but admitted they will “miss” him.
One replied: “It won’t be the same without you but so excited for your judging role again! Congratulations!! And I’m looking forward to the group numbers.”
Another added: “Noooooo! Strictly won't be the same without you! I hope you enjoy every minute of it!”
A third person chimed in: “Will miss you having a partner so much but excited as always to watch you in the group numbers.”
Gorka’s family and friends also left comments on his exciting post, as his wife Gemma Atkinson responded: “Vamos! 🇪🇸 Very proud.”
Fellow Strictly pro Johannes Radebe said: “Congrats papi.”
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Gorka’s former celebrity partner Dr Punam Krishnan shared: “Super proud of you Gorka, huge congratulations.”
It’s been reported Gorka will appear in most of the series, particularly in each of the first seven weeks.
However, he will then depart for a while before returning in the group number for week 11, when he will become a permanent cast member of this year’s Strictly until the final.
