Gorka Marquez Bids Farewell to Strictly Come Dancing to Prioritize Family Life Professional dancer Gorka Marquez and partner Gemma Atkinson reveal the heartfelt reasons behind his decision to leave the iconic BBC series after a decade. The world of competitive ballroom dancing is facing a significant change as Gorka Marquez has officially announced his departure from the beloved BBC program Strictly Come Dancing. After a decade of dazzling performances and high-energy routines, the thirty-five-year-old professional dancer has decided that it is time to step away from the glittering dancefloor. This decision was not made in isolation but was a heartfelt joint agreement between Gorka and his partner, the actress and media personality Gemma Atkinson.The couple, who first found love on the set of the show back in 2017, shared the intimate details of their choice during a recent episode of their podcast, Lost In Translation. Gemma was quick to clarify that the decision was mutual, debunking rumors from social media followers who suggested she had been pushing for his exit to reclaim more family time. Central to this life-altering decision was the well-being of their two young children.Their six-year-old daughter, Mia, played a surprisingly pivotal role in the process. The couple revealed that they held a family discussion where Mia was asked whether she preferred her father to be working in Spain during the weekends or staying in England during the grueling Strictly season. In a touching moment of honesty, Mia expressed that while she loved seeing her father dance, she valued having him home even more.This sentiment served as the final confirmation the parents needed to seal the deal. Furthermore, the couple noted that their two-year-old son, Thiago, had been struggling significantly with Gorka's absence during tours. Gemma observed that Thiago had become increasingly sensitive, often crying at nursery, which signaled that the demands of Gorka's career were taking a toll on the youngest member of the family.The struggle to maintain a professional balance had reached a breaking point due to Gorka's expanding international commitments. Recently, he had taken on a role as a judge for the Spanish version of the competition, Bailando Con Las Estrellas. This venture created a logistical nightmare, as the schedules of the two shows clashed violently.Gorka found himself performing as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks of the BBC show before rushing to Spain for a month, only to return for the eleventh week. This whirlwind of travel and high-pressure work became unsustainable. Gorka described the exit as bittersweet, acknowledging that while he is sad to leave, the experience provided him with invaluable life lessons, lifelong friendships, and most importantly, the partner who became the mother of his children.He expressed a deep sense of gratitude for the journey but insisted that the chapter is now firmly closed. Gorka's departure comes amidst a period of significant turmoil and restructuring within the professional dance cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC has recently overseen what some have described as a brutal cull of talent, with several fan-favorite dancers being axed from the roster. Among those who will not be returning are Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk.This wave of departures has left fans wondering who will remain to guide the celebrity contestants through the rigors of the competition. However, the network has now confirmed a list of returning professionals. Dianne Buswell will return after her maternity leave following the birth of her son, Bowden. Amy Dowden is also set to make a comeback after a premature exit in the previous season.Other returning stars include Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, and Vito Coppola, among others. Looking ahead, the BBC is preparing for a fresh era of the show. While the judging panel remains stable with the return of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, the production team is looking to inject new energy into the professional lineup.Bosses have hinted that brand new professional dancers will be introduced by 2026 to keep the format exciting and dynamic. For Gorka, the focus now shifts entirely toward his domestic life and his ventures outside the BBC. By prioritizing his role as a father and partner, he is embracing a new phase of life that values presence over performance, marking the end of a glittering ten-year tenure that helped define the modern era of the show