Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez (Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)

BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez breaks silence on stepping down as pro for new role

The professional dancer is currently a judge on the Spanish version of the hit dancing show, Bailando con las Estrellas

by · Birmingham Live

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has addressed questions of him stepping down from his role as a professional dancer on the show in order to take on a judging role. The Spanish dancer has been starring on Strictly since 2016 and has been runner up three times - first in 2017 alongside singer Alexandra Burke, then in 2020 alongside EastEnders star Maisie Smith, and once again in 2022 alongside Countryfile presenter Helen Skelton

There had been speculation that Gorka was ready to throw in the towel after he was the second to be eliminated last year with celebrity partner Nikita Kanda. Body language experts said there was a 'strong chance' he could quit as he showed signs of being 'fed up'.

And now he has taken on a role on the judging panel on the Spanish version of the hit dancing show, it has been questioned whether Gorka could replace one of the current Strictly panel in the UK - which consists of head judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. But Gorka, 33, claims he hasn't even been asked whether he would be interested in a judging role.

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The dad-of-two, who is engaged to former Strictly star and Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, opened up about his future on the BBC show in a question and answer session with fans on Instagram. One fan asked: "If you were offered a judging role on strictly would you take over dancing?"

He hinted that he might, but said he had not been asked as he responded: "First need to be asked. Then I answer it," adding two crying with laughter emojis.

Gorka made his debut as a judge on the Spanish version of the hit dancing show, Bailando con las Estrellas, last Saturday (January 20). He is missing the Strictly Live Tour to be on the show.