Gorka Marquez is the latest of a long line of Strictly professional dancers to exit the show, with his wife Gemma Atkinson said to be secretly ‘relieved’ about the move.
Gorka Marquez is the latest Strictly pro dancer to quit the show(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Gorka Marquez says his fiancé Gemma Atkinson, is “secretly relieved” he quit Strictly Come Dancing. This week, Gorka, 35, confirmed he’s the latest professional to depart the BBC series but chose to leave on his own terms unlike some of his co-stars.
According to reports, wife Gemma, 41, is supportive of his decision, especially after “unkind” rumours swirling about him and fellow Strictly pro dancer Jowita Przystal. The pair have also had to endure weeks apart during the gruelling filming schedule every year with Gemma staying up north with her radio job and their family, while Gorka competes.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, a source close to the couple said: “Gemma won’t allow anything like the ‘Strictly curse’ to happen to their marriage. The curse has split so many families up so the fact Gorka won’t be around what has become a pretty colourful show like Strictly would be a relief for any wife.”
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Gorka and Jowita, 31, struck up a strong friendship after she joined the BBC One show, and he’s said to have become somewhat of a mentor to her.
Gemma is said to be relieved about Gorka’s exit from the show(Image: Gemma Atkinson/Instagram)
The insider continues: “There were some unkind whispers that [Gorka’s Jowita] friendship had the potential to evolve but that was quickly nipped in the bud and there is nothing to suggest that.”
Recent weeks have seen an exodus of professional dancers on the show as BBC bosses are planning to reinvent the series after a year of scandals and the shock departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Amid rumours he was next to be shown the door, Gorka took to social media to tell followers leaving was his choice. In a statement, he penned: “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 a part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity.
Gemma and Gorka met on the set of Strictly (Image: BBC)
“Over the last 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.
“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.”
The BBC also confirmed Gorka’s departure in their own message, in which they said they were “incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series” before wishing him luck in his judging role in the Spanis edition of the programme.
Gemma and Gorka first met on the show when she took part as a celebrity contestant. Although not paired together, the pair struck up a strong connection and quickly began to romance one another following their time on the show.
