Gorka Marquez: Life After Strictly, Net Worth & Family

Few Strictly pros have managed to balance the intensity of a dance career with family life quite like Gorka Marquez. The Spanish dancer, who first appeared on the BBC show in 2016, announced in 2024 he’d step back from full-time duties due to scheduling conflicts with projects in Spain, and now at 34 juggles judging on Bailando con las estrellas, stage performances, and fatherhood.

Years on Strictly (2016–2024): 7 seasons (full-time) ·
Age (2025): 34 ·
Estimated net worth: £1–2 millionThe Independent (UK news outlet) ·
Partner: Gemma Atkinson ·
Children: 1 daughter (Mia) ·
Instagram followers: 1.2 million+

Eight key facts about Gorka Marquez at a glance.

Why is Gorka Marquez leaving Strictly?

Gorka Marquez announced he was stepping down from full-time duties on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, after eight years as a professional dancer on the show. The decision, he explained, came down to scheduling conflicts: his judging role on the Spanish adaptation Bailando con las estrellas required extended filming periods in Spain that overlapped with the Strictly production calendar.

“I’ve decided to hang up my dance shoes on the main show for now,” he wrote in an Instagram post, as reported by the Manchester Evening News (regional news). The BBC confirmed his departure on social media, noting he would not be paired with a celebrity partner for the upcoming season (Radio Times).

He remains involved as a guest choreographer and will still appear in group numbers during the early weeks of the show, returning for the final stretch (Hello Rayo). He was the fifth professional dancer to confirm his departure ahead of the 2026 series.

The pattern: Gorka’s exit mirrors a broader shift where seasoned pros leverage the Strictly platform to secure independent, cross-border roles rather than waiting for the network’s annual renewal.

What is Gorka Marquez doing now?

Since stepping back from Strictly, Gorka has built a multi-pronged career that keeps him dancing, judging, and spending time with his family.

What is he working on?

• He is a judge on Bailando con las estrellas, the Spanish version of Strictly, which he first joined in 2024 (Manchester Evening News). Season two began filming in September 2025.
• He continues to perform with Burn the Floor, the international Latin and ballroom stage production, taking lead roles in their touring shows.
• He runs regular dance workshops and makes guest appearances at events across Europe, booked through agencies like Donaheys.

The Independent reported that his absence from Strictly would last up to four weeks during the 2025 run because of his Spanish filming commitments. But he made clear he’d still be part of the weekly ensemble routines in the first few episodes.

Is he still dancing?

• Yes — he performs regularly with Burn the Floor and takes on guest choreography roles.
• He also dances in the group numbers on Strictly when his schedule allows.
• He has not ruled out a return to competitive dancing in the future.

Bottom line: Gorka Marquez is still very much dancing — just not with a celebrity partner on Saturday nights. For fans of his ballroom work, the stage shows and Spanish TV appearances keep him active. For those hoping to see him back on Strictly full-time, the door remains slightly ajar.

Is Gorka still with Gemma?

Yes. Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson are still together and live with their daughter in the Manchester area. Here’s what we know about their relationship.

Where do Gemma Atkinson and Gorka live?

• They live in Greater Manchester (Manchester Evening News).
• They reportedly own a home in the countryside near Manchester.

Do they have children?

• They have one daughter, Mia, born in July 2021.
• Gorka and Gemma got engaged in 2022Hello! Magazine (celebrity news).
• No wedding date has been announced publicly.

Gemma, an actress known for Hollyoaks and The Royal, has spoken about balancing parenthood with both their dance careers. In a 2023 interview, she described their routine as “organised chaos” but said they make it work by prioritising family time when Gorka is home (Manchester Evening News).

What is Gorka Marquez’ net worth?

Four Strictly pros, one pattern: the longer you’ve been on the show and the more judging roles you accumulate, the higher your net worth climbs.

Gorka’s estimate of £1–2 million places him in the mid-tier of Strictly professionals. Anton Du Beke, who transitioned from pro dancer to judge, has built a £3 million fortune through his panel role, book advances, and theatre toursWikipedia (dancer biography). Craig Revel Horwood leads the pack at an estimated £4 million, thanks to his long-running judge position and theatre directing creditsWikipedia (judge biography).

How much is Kai Widdrington worth?

Kai Widdrington, a younger pro who joined Strictly in 2021, has an estimated net worth of £1.5 million from his salary, tour appearances, and brand partnershipsWikipedia (dancer biography).

How much is Janette Manrara worth?

Janette Manrara, who danced on Strictly from 2013 to 2021 and now hosts It Takes Two, is estimated at £1 millionWikipedia (dancer biography).

Who is the richest Strictly Pro?

Craig Revel Horwood, with an estimated £4 million, is widely regarded as the wealthiest figure in the Strictly universe. Anton Du Beke follows at £3 million. Among active pros, Gorka’s £1–2 million puts him in the same bracket as Kai Widdrington (£1.5 million) and above Janette Manrara (£1 million).

Tess Daly’s earnings from Strictly — reported separately at around £400,000 per series — are not included in these comparisons because she is a presenter, not a professional dancer (The Independent).

Timeline

• 4 September 1990 — Born in Bilbao, Spain.
• 2016 — Joins Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancerWikipedia (dancer biography).
• 2018 — Meets and begins a relationship with Gemma Atkinson after being paired with her on Strictly.
• July 2021 — Daughter Mia is born.
• 2022 — Engagement to Gemma Atkinson announced (Hello! Magazine).
• 2024 — Steps down from full-time Strictly role, citing scheduling conflicts (Radio Times).
• 2025 — Judges season 2 of Bailando con las estrellas; appears in Strictly group numbers only (Digital Spy).
• 2026 — Confirms permanent departure from the Strictly lineup (Mirror).

Clarity check

Quotes

“I’ve decided to hang up my dance shoes on the main show for now.”

— Gorka Marquez, via Instagram announcement, as reported by Manchester Evening News (regional news)

“It’s organised chaos but we make it work. When Gorka is home, family time comes first.”

— Gemma Atkinson, speaking to Manchester Evening News (regional news) about balancing parenthood and careers

“Gorka will still appear in lots of the group numbers and return for the final weeks of the show.”

— Digital Spy (entertainment news), reporting on his 2025 Strictly involvement

Summary

Gorka Marquez’s decision to step away from full-time Strictly duties was driven by a clear trade-off: a steady judging role in Spain versus the uncertain lottery of a celebrity partnership each year. For a dancer who entered the show at 26 and leaves at 34 with a fiancée, a daughter, and a growing portfolio of TV and stage work, the calculation makes sense. For viewers who loved seeing him tear up the ballroom floor every Saturday, the group numbers and final-week returns are a partial consolation — but the era of Gorka as a regular Strictly pro is over. He chose family and a continental career over the glitterball, and in the long run, that may well be the smarter bet.

Frequently asked questions