Gorka Marquez has confirmed his future on the Strictly Come Dancing as he paid tribute to the programme in a moving Instagram post.
Professional dancer Gorka and presenter Helen Skelton danced their way into the Strictly final alongside Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Fleur East and Vito Coppola and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu. The public vote decided who would be taking away the glitterball trophy this series, and it was Hamza and Jowita who were crowned winners during Saturday's final (December 17).
Sharing a collection of photos of himself and Helen throughout the competition, Gorka thanked his dance partner and the Strictly team for an 'incredible journey.' Paying tribute to Helen, he wrote: "I feel so grateful I got not only to dance with you @helenskelton but also to be by your side in your own personal journey and see your transformation from day one."
Read more: BBC Strictly's Helen Skelton says she is 'so grateful' for Gorka Marquez on ITV Lorraine
He continued: "Thank you for all the memories, laughs, coffees, toast, parent chats, car journeys," adding: "I’ve loved every single moment dancing with you and I am so proud of us until the last dance! You’re a Star."
Gorka went on to congratulate winners Hamza and Jowita, writing: "You guys have been amazing the whole series and deserve it." He also praised the other finalists, adding: "It has been a pleasure to share the floor with you guys."
And after thanking the Strictly production team and the viewers, Gorka confirmed his future on the show. Concluding the post, he wrote: "Strictly 23 lets go!!! In the mean time... Keep dancing!"
Gorka joined the line-up of professional dancers on Strictly in 2016. He was partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson for his debut and has been part of the show ever since.
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