Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez will miss a big chunk of this year’s series due to a schedule clash.

Gorka, 34, will not be partnered with a celebrity as a result.

The Spanish dancer will appear in many of the pre-recorded group dances before making a return to the Strictly live shows towards the end of the series.

Gorka broke the news to fans while confirming he has a new job.

This autumn, Gorka will appear as a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly, called Bailando Con Las Estrella.

Taking to Instagram, he told his followers: “I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.

“Due to the filming dates this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly but I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES.

“As always thank you for all The love and support and remember! Keep dancing!!!”

Gorka’s fiancée Gemma Atkinson replied: “Vamos! Very proud.” Many of Gorka’s fellow Strictly stars have also responded to his announcement.

Karen Hauer replied in Spanish, saying: “Congratulations little man!! Hit it hard.” Neil Jones added: “Congratulations.” Johannes Radebe wrote: “Congrats papi.” And Jowita Przystal also told Gorka: “Congratulations!”

Who will be joining Gorka Marquez on Strictly?

Strictly Come Dancing bosses had already confirmed Gorka would be on Strictly before his announcement. The professional line-up for the 2025 series was revealed earlier this year.

A question mark had been hanging over Gorka’s head after he made an unexpected early exit last year. He was partnered with Dr. Punam Krisha. They were fifth to be eliminated and their departure came during Halloween week.

The BBC has confirmed this year’s pros will be Gorka, Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones and Nadiya Bychkova. They will be joined by Jowita Przystal, Luba Mushtuk, and Neil Jones.

Gorka will also be dancing alongside Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, and Nancy Xu. Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe.

Strictly’s new faces

Earlier this month, the BBC confirmed two new professionals would be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. They are Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.

Alexis is from America and has already appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With The Stars. Australian dancer Julian has appeared on the show’s counterparts Down Under, too.

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “We’ve been big fans of Alexis and Julian for some time so it’s with great excitement that we now welcome them both to the Strictly family. They’re two incredible dancers with bright futures ahead of them, and we know viewers are going to love getting to know them both.”

Strictly’s celebrity line-up and judges

The celebrity line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing is yet to be announced. However, there are already plenty of names rumoured to have signed for the show.

Stacey Solomon has found her name in the mix, along with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis. The Apprentice’s Thomas Skinner has reportedly signed up, along with Doctor Who and ER actress Alex Kingston.

Check out our list of all the rumoured Strictly celebrities here!

All four judges will be returning to Strictly. Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood will be back on the panel.

When does Strictly Come Dancing 2025 start?

The BBC are also keeping tight-lipped on the exact start date for Strictly Come Dancing 2025, although it usually begins in September.

Last year’s series started with the pre-recorded launch show on September 14, with the first live show following a week later. Strictly 2024 ran right up until Christmas, finishing with a massive finale episode December 14.

Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell won the Glitterball Trophy.

Read more: This year’s Strictly Come Dancing judges and hosts confirmed, with question mark hanging over It Takes Two

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 will air on BBC One this autumn.