Gorka Marquez has revealed his new career move a day after “stepping back” from Strictly Come Dancing.
The Spanish professional dancer, 35, announced on Tuesday that he is quitting the BBC dance competition and looks forward to enjoying the show “from the sidelines”.
It came after he stepped down as a full-time professional dancer on Strictly last year, which he explained was due to scheduling conflicts with his role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars in Spain.
Despite vowing to “hang up his dance shoes”, Marquez has confirmed he will still take part in the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals Tour 2026.
The UK tour runs from April 30 to May 30, 2026, featuring 11 professional dancers. Highlights include shows at the London Palladium (May 8–10) and the tour finale at the Blackpool Opera House on May 30.
Marquez - who is engaged to Gemma Atkinson - said he “can’t wait” to join the tour, which kicks off on Thursday.
He penned on Instagram: “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.”
Marquez’s exit comes after a slew of fellow professional dancers left Strictly - including Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk.
He announced his departure on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of himself, writing: “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.
“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.”
Marquez went on to say it is time to “take a step back”, but that he hopes to “hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way” as he watches from the sidelines.
Wrapping up the post, he wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing.”
Marquez has two young children with Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, whom he met when she was a contestant on Strictly in 2017, although they were not paired together.
They got engaged in 2021 and have a podcast together called Lost In Translation.
