21 December 2023 , 15:58
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Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has revealed he doesn’t know if he will return to the show next year.
The 33-year-old Spanish dance professional has had his life quite literally transformed by the long-running BBC show - which he has been part of since season fourteen way back in 2016. Over the past seven years, Gorka has been paired with a range of stars including singer Alexandra Burke, model Katie Piper, and most recently with radio host Nikita Kanda.
He is yet to lift the Glitterball Trophy with one of his celebrity partners - but he did make it to the live final with Alexandra, as well as EastEnders star Maisie Smith and presenter Helen Skelton. But his biggest success from the show, however, could arguably be his romance with actress Gemma Atkinson.
The Spanish hunk and the ex-Hollyoaks star, 39, met when she was a contestant in 2017 and they have since welcomed two children together and have become engaged. But while Gorka is a fan favourite on the show, he has worryingly admitted he is unsure if he will be back to dance again in the 2023 season.
Gorka Marquez has hinted he won't return to Strictly in 2024 (BBC/Ray Burmiston)
He dropped the bombshell during a Q&A with fans (Instagram)The topic of next years’ show was raised as Gorka fielded questions from fans that were sent his way doing an Instagram Q&A. One fan asked: “Are you returning to Strictly Come Dangin next year as a professional dancer?”
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But Gorka admitted he did not know. He replied: “I get asked this a lot! I hope so, it’s not my decision but I would love to!! Is the best show in TV and I am grateful to have the chance to be a small part in it.”
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Gorka and Gemma are parents to four-year-old daughter Mia and welcomed a son named Thiago in July this year. Balancing Strictly commitments and parenting proved to be a challenge for Gorka who confessed he was feeling tired over the course of the 2023 season of Strictly.
The dancer - who crashed out in the second week of the contest - opened up about the fact he is a young father as is fellow pro Neil Jones, who welcomed a daughter with his Love Island fiancée Chyna Mills this summer, ex-Strictly pro Aljaz Skorjanec, who welcomed a child with It Takes Two host Janette Manrara this year, and Strictly judge Anton Du Beke who is the dad of young twins. Gorka said in October: “[We are] the daddies group!
“Anton has the twins as well, yeah it’s really good. We have to make a daddies group chat and share tips! I remember when I went away in August for the group numbers, [Aljaz and I] messaged each other and he said, ‘I haven’t slept' and I was like, ‘I’m not at home’ and he was like, ‘Lucky you!’"
"No one wants to be away from their kids for a long time," he continued. "At the end of the day I know I’m doing it for them and Mia loves watching it, so I do my best to make them proud of me. I know after this finishes I’ll be home."