Waltzing away: Gorka Marquez has left Strictly Come Dancing

Gorka Marquez has left Strictly Come Dancing.

The Spanish dancer joined the line-up of professionals on the programme back in 2016 but didn't have a celebrity partner last year as he was also juggling his commitments as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Spain and now, following reports he was set to be dropped from this year's Strictly, he has confirmed he is "saying goodbye" to the UK show.

He wrote on Instagram: “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."

But Gorka - who met his fiancee, actress Gemma Atkinson, when she competed on Strictly - stressed fans will get to see him on the Strictly Come Dancing - The Professionals tour over the coming weeks.

He added: “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.

“Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way."

The 35-year-old hunk ended his statement with a message of thanks to fans.

He concluded: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey.

“Keep dancing.”

Gorka's departure from Strictly Come Dancing follows the news that fellow professionals Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas will no longer be part of the show either.

Their replacements have yet to be announced, and Strictly bosses have still not announced who will be the new hosts of the programme following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the 2025 Christmas Special.