Gemma Atkinson has shared a humorous anecdote about her relationship with fiancé Gorka Marquez, following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing. The Spanish ballroom professional announced he would be leaving the show after a decade, citing scheduling conflicts and a desire to pursue new opportunities.

Gorka Marquez's Departure from 'Strictly'

Gorka Marquez’s decision comes amid a period of change for Strictly, with several other professional dancers also leaving the program. He explained that scheduling conflicts with Dancing With The Stars Spain, along with a desire to explore other ventures, contributed to his choice.

Playful Banter Revealed

A clip from their podcast, Lost In Translation, resurfaced, revealing a lighthearted disagreement between the couple. Gemma jokingly wished Gorka would be quiet after he critiqued a shelf that their children had been rearranging.

A Decade of 'Strictly' and Beyond

Gorka expressed immense gratitude to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for the opportunities the show provided him over the past ten years. He highlighted how the show allowed him to build a career, find love with Gemma, start a family, and create lasting friendships.

Future Plans and Continued Involvement

While stepping down from full-time dancing on Strictly, Gorka is set to participate in the upcoming Strictly Pro Tour. He also expressed hope to continue supporting the show, potentially as a judge.

His departure follows those of Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Michelle Tsiakkas. The show is also seeking new hosts following the planned departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly after the 2025 Christmas Special.

A Relatable Moment

Gemma recounted how Gorka, upon returning from a trip to New York, immediately began inspecting their home, prompting her playful response. Gorka playfully acknowledged Gemma’s tendency to ‘moan about everything’. This situation highlights the everyday challenges of balancing professional life with family responsibilities.

Gorka previously took a break from Strictly to judge the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, and his departure now appears permanent, marking the end of his era on the BBC programme. He initially appeared for seven weeks before his commitment to the Spanish show took him away for a month, returning for the eleventh week.