Why fans may quit watching Strictly Come Dancing after Gorka Marquez leaves BBC show after 10 years

Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has taken to Instagram to reveal he is leaving the BBC show after 10 years. He wrote: “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.

“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 from the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way 🤭

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

“Keep dancing 🫶.”

Gorka Marquez’s partner Gemma Atkinson wrote: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! 🥰🥰

Exciting times ahead ❤️❤️.”

Aljaž Škorjanec wrote: “Brother. Wish you all the best ❤️

“Can’t wait to watch you( my Spanish Gene Kelly) on pro tour! Love ya 🙌🏼.”

Amy Dowden wrote: “Oh Gorks! I know the future Ahead gonna be bright and exciting and one your family out will continue to be so proud of 💖.”

In October 2025 Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be stepping down as hosts of the show. In a post on Instagram, Tess Daly wrote: "After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

“It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…

“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then that it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

"Strictly has always been about joy, celebration and bringing people together - and I'm so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.

“From that very first aries, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth.”

In a joint statement, Claudia and Tess said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

The pair also said: "We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show."

It would seem that fans may quit watching Strictly Come Dancing after Gorka Marquez’s announcement. One fan wrote:”Literally struggling to find a reason to continue to watch at this point 😢. The return of Strictly is usually like welcoming back an old friend to see us through the winter months. But with so many of those who we've grown to love over the years having left, it gives a feeling of uncertainty 😢❤️.”

Another said: “That’s it I quit watching strictly from now on 😭 good luck Gorka ❤️.” One other person wrote: “Nooooooooooo! There genuinely is going to be no point watching it, so many of the fabulous dancers have left or have been pushed. Absolutely gutted you won't be there 😢.”

One other fan wrote: “Nooooo , strictly is getting worse!!”

Following Gorka Marquez’s decision to leave, the Instagram account for Strictly Come Dancing wrote: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.

“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain.

“We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”