Strictly star Gorka Marquez puts himself forward to be judge on show as he teases return
Gorka isn't in the pro line-up this yearGorka Marquez has revealed he would love to return to Strictly Come Dancing as a judge.
The dancer outlined his ambition during an interview with Express, only months after leaving the BBC competition.
Gorka announced his departure from Strictly after a decade in April, leaving many fans saddened. However, his latest comments suggest he still sees a future within the show’s glittering world.
“Who knows, maybe I [will] come back one day as a judge, you know?” he said.
He also suggested Strictly could benefit from a Spanish judge.
Strictly Come Dancing prepares for major changes
Strictly Come Dancing is preparing for a sizeable reset elsewhere in the programme. Five new professional dancers are joining the line-up.
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe will lead the presenting team. They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have left the show.
Gorka has backed the refreshed format to succeed and plans to follow the competition as a fan.
Viewers will therefore see changes both on the dance floor and among the hosts. The changes follow several departures from the professional line-up, including Gorka’s exit after ten years.
Gorka Marquez explains his Strictly judging ambition
The interviewer also asked Gorka whether he might eventually return as a professional dancer.
“Who knows? Never say never, but I would love to come back as a judge,” he replied.
That answer leaves the door open to dancing again, although his strongest interest lies behind the judging desk.
He framed his Spanish background as a distinct quality he could bring to the role.
“And I have the Spanish flavour, you know?” he added.
He compared the idea with Bruno Tonioli’s former place as the Italian judge.
Gorka already has judging experience on Spain’s version of Dancing with the Stars.
When Gorka announced his exit, he said the time felt right to pursue fresh opportunities. Those plans included the Spanish judging position and projects beyond Strictly.
For now, the 2026 Strictly judging panel includes Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood.
All four are returning, so Gorka’s idea remains a wish rather than a confirmed change.
Strictly Come Dancing launch and Gorka Marquez’s tour
Gorka Marquez will next take his dancing on the road with a new festive production.
Blackpool Opera House hosts the first Xmas on the Dance Floor performance on December 5.
The production will then visit 12 venues across the country.
The show combines ballroom and Latin routines with commercial dance, contemporary choreography and live singing.
Read more: Strictly star Johannes Radebe rejoins the pros as first trailer for 2026 series is released
Its soundtrack includes Christmas favourites associated with Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé and Feliz Navidad.
Gorka also plans to include Spanish songs from his childhood. The format will let him talk and interact with audiences more than his previous dance shows.
Strictly launches on Saturday, September 19 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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