Gorka Marquez has formally confirmed his departure from the BBC’s long-running series, Strictly Come Dancing, ending ten years of involvement. The announcement, shared via social media today, coincides with a broader restructuring of the production, marking the professional as the fifth dancer to exit the lineup ahead of the upcoming 2026 series.
The departure follows months of industry speculation regarding a series-wide "bloodbath" or "overhaul" intended to refresh the programme’s format.
Career Context: Marquez joined the show in 2016, eventually reaching the final three times.
Production Overhaul: His exit follows the reported departures of fellow professionals Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Institutional Shift: This staff turnover occurs as the BBC faces significant pressure to manage its public image, following leadership changes in the presenting team and reports of internal scrutiny.
Transition and Scheduling Constraints
The decision to leave follows a period of diminished presence for the dancer. In recent years, Marquez’s availability had been impacted by commitments to international franchises, specifically as a judge on the Spanish programme Bailando con las Estrellas.
"After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts… I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye," stated Marquez in his departure announcement.
Despite the industry narrative of an "axing" by show executives, both the BBC and the performer have framed the exit as a mutually agreed conclusion. The official show account acknowledged his contribution, citing his role as a "hugely popular" figure who established a personal history with the production, including meeting his partner, Gemma Atkinson, on the show in 2017.
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Background: The Institutional "Overhaul"
The current status of Strictly Come Dancing reflects a larger trend of volatility within the production.
Management Shifts: The exit of longstanding hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman earlier this year has precipitated a search for new creative direction.
Reputational Management: Reports indicate that producers are aggressively attempting to sanitize the brand following several high-profile controversies, including external bullying allegations and conduct investigations involving former cast members.
Structural Changes: The reduction of the professional dance cohort is part of a larger, stated attempt to secure a "fresh start" for the series, which is scheduled to return in September 2026.
For Marquez, the exit provides a pivot toward potential judging roles—a prospect he referenced in his statement by noting his desire to "hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens" in future engagements.
