Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez shares his relief at quitting the show: 'I don't miss the stress'
Gorka has also given his verdict on Strictly's three new hostsGorka Marquez has lifted the lid on his life after Strictly Come Dancing – and he’s admitted he is glad to be free of the “stress”.
The Spanish dancer, 36, announced he was quitting the BBC juggernaut in April after 10 years on the show.
And it seems like he does not regret his decision one bit.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, Gorka has confessed that he is relieved to just be a Saturday night spectator to Strictly Come Dancing now.
Gorka Marquez shares relief over quitting Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka was invited onto BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning (October 22, 2026) to chat about his upcoming Xmas on the Dancefloor stage show.
But he was quickly asked about Strictly. Host Charlie Stayt grilled: “What’s it like being on the outside looking in?”
Gorka, who has two children with fiancée Gemma Atkinson, replied: “Oh it’s lovely. I love it. I get the Saturday nights at home with the children. We put the telly on and watch it. It’s nice and there’s no stress.
“I miss dancing but I don’t miss the 24/7 thinking, worrying and panicking. It’s not about me, it’s about that person. And I want to make the best experience for that person.
“You’re constantly thinking of ideas, routines, how I can do the best for them. Now I don’t have that stress. I can just enjoy it as a spectator.”
Strictly Come Dancing has seen some big changes this year. Five new professionals have been brought in to replace Gorka, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtu and Michelle Tsiakkas.
But the biggest switch up has been to the presenting team. Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe have been brought in to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who quit last year.
So what does Gorka think?
Gorka Marquez share opinion on Strictly’s new hosts
The new trio of presenters has certainly set the cat among the pigeons with Strictly Come Dancing fans. Comedian Josh has received the most flak from viewers.
But Gorka remained very diplomatic when asked about the hosting line-up.
“I have my opinion and without offending anybody… people think, ‘Oh it’s big shoes to fill’. It’s not big shoes to fill, it’s just someone who’s been doing the show for 20 years,” Gorka said.
“As people, we don’t like change. Change makes us feel uncomfortable. We’re very quick to be like, ‘Oh, it’s not like before’. The audience needs to be patient and give them a chance.
“Emma is amazing. Johannes is a superstar. He’s a talented person but has never done this before. Let him learn. Let them take time and get confident. Sometimes change is good, don’t compare to the past.”
Gorka did not mention Josh, so Charlie’s co-host Naga Munchetty made a point of asking what he thinks.
“Josh brings the comedy and sarcasm with his joke and points of view. I think he’s great,” Gorka added.
