Gemma Atkinson has responded to reports that Gorka Marquez is set to leave Strictly Come Dancing after viewers said he looked 'fuming' to narrowly miss out on a win with Helen Skelton. Hits Radio presenter Gemma clapped back after being sent a story about her fiance, who won hearts on the BBC dance contest this year with former Blue Peter presenter Helen.
The coveted glitterball went to Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal in last Saturday's emotional final which saw Jowita tell wildlife cameraman and presenter Hamza: "You are an angel disguised as a human being."
Many fans took to social media to say they were "gutted" for Helen and Gorka with others pointing out that Gorka, who has been a pro dancer on the show since 2016, looked crestfallen. Gemma took to Instagram to share one of the reports with talk of his departure, saying: "Keep being sent this." And she added with a cheeky-face emoji: "Wish I hadn't said to all backstage crew 'see you next year' now."
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She added: "Obv this isn't true at all! Same as it wasn't true about Gio last year. Merry Christmas!" Gorka, 32, whose previous celeb dance partners include Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper and Maisie Smith, previously appeared to confirm after coming runner-up that he would be back for Strictly 2023.
"Oh… Where to start, It’s has been a incredible journey," he wrote on his Instagram. "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.
"Thank you for all the memories, laughs, coffees, toast, parent chats, car journeys. Like I said yesterday In the show you’re a special person who light up a room when walks in and I am so proud you got to smile and shine again. I’ve loved every single moment dancing with you and I am so proud of us until the last dance! You’re a star."
And he added to the 2022 champions: "Big congratulations!! to the @bbcstrictly champions @jowitaprzystal @hamzayassin90 you guys have been amazing the whole series and deserve it.
"Congrats to the other couples in the Final @vitocoppola @fleureast @gkx_carlos @mollyrainford it has been a pleasure to share the floor with you guys.
Thank you to everyone that works in the show. from production, dance team, cameras, wardrobe, hair& make-up You guys are legends and I am so grateful to be part of the Best show in tele. @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g thank you for your trust in me.
"And to all of you guys! The biggest THANK YOU, because without you we wouldn’t be here and your lovely messages of support means the world. Strictly 23 lets go!!! In the mean time Keep dancing!!"
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