Strictly pro Gorka Marquez reveals 'painful' health condition that forced him to announce he’s leaving BBC show
Gorka is a legend of the showStrictly pro Gorka Marquez has revealed the health condition that forced him to announce that he’s leaving the hit BBC show.
The Spanish dancer, 35, announced he was quitting the show after 10 years yesterday (Tuesday, April 28).
Gorka Marquez announces he’s leaving BBC show Strictly
In a statement shared yesterday, Strictly announced Gorka was leaving the show.
“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,” they said.
“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,” they then continued.
“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.”
Gorka Marquez reveals painful reason he quit Strictly
Now, the star has revealed the painful reason why he’s quit Strictly.
Speaking on the podcast he does with partner Gemma Atkinson, Lost in Translation, Gorka admitted that his “back is in bits” as he embarks on the Strictly Pro Tour. Speaking about rehearsals, he said it was his back that was hurting more than his feet. Gemma replied saying that its “reassuring” to non-dancers that a professional dancer says it’s hard to dance.
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“I didn’t say it’s hard. It’s not hard to dance, it’s fine to dance – but it’s hard to do eight hours a day dancing. There’s a difference,” he said.
“Running is not bad for you, running ultra marathons is horrible for you. Running 5K for you is not bad. Dancing for fun, it’s amazing for everybody. For your brain, for your body,” he then continued.
“Dancing from nine in the morning until 10 at night, full out, it’s painful.
“Someone’s gotta do it though,” Gemma joked.
“I love it. It’s bloody painful, my back is in bits. But I love it, I love to tour,” he then said.
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Gorka’s statement
Taking to Instagram yesterday, Gorka shared a statement of his own. He shared a black-and-white picture of himself walking out of a studio for his 982k followers to see.
“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,” he wrote.
“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,” he then said.
His fellow pro dancers took to the comments to send their well-wishes.
“Oh, Gorks! I know the future Ahead gonna be bright and exciting, and one your family out will continue to be so proud of,” Amy Dowden said.
“Special memories when we joined on the same year, not knowing how it would change our lives. What a fantastic time you had and impact you made is undeniable,” Katya Jones wrote.
“Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead,” partner Gemma added.
Read more: Strictly star Janette Manrara addresses her future on show following axing rumours
