Gorka Marquez breaks silence following his Strictly exit after 10 years

EntertainmentHealth & Fitness
29 Apr 2026 • 7:09 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Gorka Marquez breaks silence following his Strictly exit after 10 years

  • Gorka Marquez has announced his departure from Strictly Come Dancing after ten years as a professional dancer.
  • The 35-year-old Spanish star stated his gratitude for his time on the BBC show but felt it was "now time to take a step back".
  • Marquez discussed the physical toll of constant dancing on his podcast, "Lost in Translation", co-hosted with partner Gemma Atkinson.
  • He described the intense daily schedule, often dancing from 9am to 10pm, as "painful".
  • Marquez revealed that the rigorous dancing left him with sore feet and back.

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