- Gorka Marquez has announced his departure from Strictly Come Dancing after a decade as a professional dancer on the BBC series, stating it was his own decision to leave.
- Marquez, 35, expressed immense gratitude to the show and the BBC, highlighting that it allowed him to build a career, find love with Gemma Atkinson, start a family, and make lifelong friends.
- He hinted at a potential future return to the show in a judging capacity, stating he will now enjoy watching from the sidelines and hopes to 'hold up a few paddles and give out some tens'.
- The Spanish star has been a Strictly finalist three times with celebrity partners Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton during his tenure.
- Marquez had a reduced role last year due to his appearance on the judging panel of Bailando con las Estrellas, Spain’s version of Strictly, a role he will continue later this year.
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