Strictly Come Dancing has lost another professional dancer from its line-up as Gorka Márquez is exiting the entertainment series after 10 years.
The BBC confirmed the news in a statement posted on social media, with Márquez becoming the fifth pro not returning to the show later this year. He joins the previously announced Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.
In a statement shared online, the BBC said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.
“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show.
“We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”
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Márquez had long been rumoured as one of the professionals not to be returning to the show this year, particularly due to his commitments on the Spanish equivalent of Dancing with the Stars, Bailando con las Estrellas.
Last year, it was confirmed he was not competing on Strictly due to scheduling conflicts, but was involved in group numbers with the other pros.
Márquez shared an emotional statement on Instagram, confirming that after his decision to step down as a full-time professional, he has since decided “now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing”.
The statement read: “I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity – over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful.”
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It continued: “Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family. Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey.”
The BBC is yet to confirm the official professionals line-up, but given it is usually announced around this time of year, it could be any day now.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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