Gorka Marquez for Strictly Come Dancing / BBC
Gorka Marquez will reportedly not be part of the lineup for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing in an apparent U-turn to a previous announcement.
The 34-year-old has been a staple on the show for the last nine years and was confirmed to be returning to the professional dance setup for this year in April.
The Spaniard is already thought to have filmed the group dance routines for the new series but will not get a celebrity partner as he is instead serving as a judge on the Spanish version of the format.
Marquez judged the last series of Bailando con las estrellas, although it aired in Spring 2024, when there was no conflict with Strictly, but this year’s edition is instead beginning next month.
The news comes after the BBC launched an investigation into allegations of drug use by two unnamed Strictly stars, while one unnamed male Strictly star was arrested by the Met Police following an allegation of rape.
“Gorka loves Strictly and is so proud to be one of the longest-serving pros, but has said he’ll be relieved not to be there during another fraught series while the show and its cast are accused of toxic behaviour,” a source told The Sun.
“He’s very excited to have been part of the group dances, which were pre-recorded, and loves everyone on the show. But this is the third series where they face questions about bullying, chaperones and everything else.
“He told friends he can’t deny the timing has worked out well and he’s looking forward to spreading his wings on Spanish Strictly.”
Marquez is married to former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he has two young children.
