You’ve probably noticed something missing from Strictly this year. Well, not something. Someone. The Spanish charmer with the killer moves hasn’t gotten to waltz around the ballroom with a celebrity on his arm. And if you were wondering why Gorka is not on Strictly 2025 properly, you’re not alone. The bloke’s Instagram has been flooded with questions all autumn. Here’s the thing. Gorka isn’t gone. He’s just been doing something rather clever on the other side of Europe.
The Spain Game
So Gorka Marquez’s presence on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 became a non-starter when he landed a judging gig on Bailando Con Las Estrellas. That’s the Spanish version of Strictly. It’s a proper big deal over there. The filming schedules clashed completely. He was needed in Spain during October, right when Strictly’s in full swing. Gorka announced it all back in September.
He said he’d still be part of group dances and would turn up for the final weeks. But no celebrity partner. No weekly routines. His fiancée, Gemma Atkinson, was properly proud, commenting “Vamos!” on his post.
The Missing Weeks
For roughly three months, Gorka was absent from our Saturday night telly. He filmed some group numbers beforehand. But during the actual live shows? Nowhere. Fans noticed immediately. Where’s Gorka? Why isn’t Gorka there? It was like Where’s Wally, except everyone actually cared. Then, on December 13th, during the semi-final, eagle-eyed viewers spotted him. Just there. Standing in the Claudatorium with the rest of the cast. Twitter exploded. “Nice of you to show up, Gorks,” one viewer wrote.
Family First
This isn’t the first time Gorka’s missed competing. Back in 2019, he didn’t have a partner either. Gorka Marquez’s daughter Mia was born that summer, on July 4th. Being a new dad, missing that series made sense. Fast forward to 2023, and they welcomed their son, Thiago. So now they’re a family of four. Well, five, if you count their Goldendoodle puppy, Benji. Gemma’s spoken openly about how Gorka balances work with being present for the kids. Mia’s six now, and Thiago’s nearly two. Strictly running from July to December, that’s half the year he’s potentially away.
“Gorka works away a lot,” Gemma told Closer magazine. The shop is closed on more children, as she put it. Gorka Marquez’s daughter Mia asks constantly when Papa’s coming home. Given that Gemma lost her father 24 years ago, she’s quite sensitive about not wanting to give Mia any fear around death or absence. In October 2025, Gemma shared that Mia had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Specifically, absence seizures. Just occasional “zoning out” moments. They’ve got her on treatment, and she’s doing loads better.
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The Ink Collection
Gorka Marquez tattoos. The man’s got quite a collection. Most famously, there’s that enormous tiger face covering his entire back. Used to have his name tattooed up there, but he covered it with this massive tiger design. Took six hours. Gemma’s response when he complained about the pain? “That’s exactly what I said!” Obviously referring to childbirth. There’s also a Buddha at the base of his spine.
A full sleeve on his left arm. The word “Love” across his hand. An infinity symbol on his finger. You don’t usually see them on Strictly because he’s covered up in costumes. But scroll through his Instagram, and they’re everywhere.
The Strictly Journey
Having joined Strictly in 2016, Gorka has quickly become one of the show’s most adored pros. He made his breakthrough in 2017 with Alexandra Burke. Then, Maisie Smith (runner-up), Helen Skelton (another finalist), and, more recently, Dr. Punam Krishan in 2024. That partnership with Punam was proper lovely. She dedicated a Bollywood Couple’s Choice dance to her late grandfather. Very emotional. In Week Two of the last series, Gorka wore these PVC trousers for their Foxtrot. Absolute nightmare.
He was on It Takes Tw,o complaining about the chafing. Even compared himself to Ross from Friends with the leather trousers episode. When his return for 2025 was announced, he joked: “Ps: @bbcstrictly get those PVC trousers ordered in every colour.”
What Happens Next
Gorka’s confirmed he’s back for Strictly 2026 as a full competitor. The Spanish judging gig was just for one season. He’ll be 35 by then. Still got the moves, mind you. The man works out religiously. You should see his gym videos with trainer Sara Sigmunds.
There are also those Donahey’s Dancing With The Stars weekends he does. Celtic Manor Resort, teaching people ballroom over a long weekend. Proper nice earner. Gemma’s been clear she won’t be going back to soap operas. The hours are too unpredictable with Gorka’s schedule. She’s sticking with her radio presenting, which gives her more flexibility.
The Bottom Line
The whole Gorka Marquez Strictly 2025 situation threw people at first. Fans were gutted. But actually, it’s worked out nicely. He’s expanded his career, earned some Spanish telly money, and still got to be part of Strictly for the group numbers and final weeks. He was there for the semi-final and presumably the final. Supporting his mates, reminding everyone why they love him.
The bloke met Gemma on Strictly in 2017. They weren’t partnered together, but clearly something sparked. Now they’ve built this whole life. Two kids, a house, a dog, and successful careers. Not bad for a Spanish dancer who joined a British TV show nine years ago. Next year? He’ll be back properly. Probably wearing those PVC trousers in multiple colours if he gets his way. That’s the Gorka effect. Even when he’s not there, everyone’s talking about him.
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FAQs
1. Why was Gorka Márquez not partnered on Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Gorka didn’t have a celebrity partner in 2025. He was busy filming *Bailando Con Las Estrellas*, the Spanish version of *Strictly*, where he was a judge.
2. Did Gorka Márquez leave Strictly Come Dancing in 2025?
No. Gorka did not leave Strictly. He was still part of the professional cast. He took part in pre-recorded group dances. Later, he returned for the semi-final and other stages of the competition.
3. When did Gorka Márquez return to Strictly in 2025?
Gorka returned for the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final on 13 December 2025. He joined the other professionals in the Claudatorium.
4. Has Gorka Márquez missed a Strictly series before?
Yes. Gorka has also missed competing in 2019 due to the birth of his daughter, Mia. He has previously put family commitments first alongside his professional dancing career.
5. Will Gorka Márquez return as a full competitor on Strictly?
Yes. Gorka has confirmed he will return as a full competitor in Strictly Come Dancing 2026. His judging role in Spain is just for one season.
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