After a decade of glitter, ballroom triumphs and emotional television moments, Gorka Marquez has officially confirmed he is leaving Strictly Come Dancing — and fans are already calling it the end of an era.
The Spanish ballroom star, 35, announced his departure in an emotional Instagram statement on Tuesday, revealing he had decided to “hang up” his dance shoes after years of juggling commitments between the BBC series and Spain’s Dancing With The Stars franchise.
Gorka wrote: “After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing With The Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.”
He continued: “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 many viewers, Gorka’s story became one of the show’s most beloved real-life romances after he met actress and presenter Gemma Atkinson during the 2017 series. The couple later built a family together and became one of Strictly’s most recognisable success stories away from the dancefloor.
Despite stepping away from the competition, Gorka reassured fans he would still remain connected to the franchise. “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,” he said.
The dancer also joked that he now hoped to “hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way.”
But behind the emotional farewell lies growing chaos inside the BBC hit.
Gorka is just the latest high-profile departure in what insiders are describing as a full-scale Strictly “bloodbath” ahead of the 2026 series. Fellow professionals Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas are also reportedly leaving as producers attempt a major reboot of the long-running show.
The shake-up comes after the departures of legendary hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly following the 2025 Christmas Special — a move that stunned loyal viewers.
According to reports, BBC bosses are now desperately trying to attract younger audiences by prioritising stars with massive social media followings, particularly on TikTok.
One insider claimed: “Strictly is always looking for ways to increase its audience in terms of volume, but also in terms of attracting new, young viewers. Social media is a massive part of broadening that appeal.”
The strategy has already sparked backlash online, with fans accusing the programme of abandoning long-serving talent in favour of internet popularity.
Meanwhile, the franchise continues to recover from multiple controversies that have rocked the show in recent years, including bullying allegations and claims of abusive behaviour involving former professionals Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.
BBC bosses insist the current departures are not linked to any wrongdoing, with the broadcaster simply stating: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Still, for many fans, Gorka’s goodbye feels personal.
After ten years, three finals, countless iconic routines and a real-life love story born under the Strictly spotlight, one of the show’s most familiar faces is walking away — and viewers fear the programme they once loved may never look the same again.
