Gorka Marquez appeared emotional as he shared a video of from his daughter ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing final. The Spanish dancer will compete for the Glitterball trophy on Saturday night (December 17) in his third final since joining the BBC One dance show in 2016.
He will be vying for the Strictly champions 2022 title alongside Helen Skelton after they made it through to the last week of the 20th series alongside Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal, Fleur East and Vito Coppola and Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu.
Each couple will perform three routines as they take to the ballroom for the final time, with Helen, 39, and Gorka, set to dance their jive to Tightrope by Janelle Monae at the request of the judges, their couple’s choice routine to Mein Herr by Liza Minnelli (from Cabaret) after picking it as their favourite routine of the series and finally their show dance, where Helen gets to show off her 13 weeks of practice, to Shine by Emeli Sande.
Ahead of Saturday night's show, Gorka took to Instagram with a video of his daughter, Mia, whom he shares with fiancee, and former Strictly Come Dancing finalist Gemma Atkinson. Three-year-old Mia and Gemma, 38, have been cheering on Gorka and Helen every week from home before Mia got to see her 'Papa' in action during rehearsals in Blackpool last month.
And after having a bit of a crush on Will Mellor throughout the series and being left in tears when he was eliminated from the dance competition during last weekend's semi-final, it is clear who Mia wants to lift the Glitterball trophy.
Seen at the family of three's Greater Manchester home, Mia says in the video: "I hope you win it tonight, Papa!" She then sweetly adds: "Love you," before waving at the camera and saying: "Bye," as she walks away from in front of the Christmas tree.
Gorka also shared a look at the homemade card Mia had made to further show her support. It showed a tree and its branches decorated with red, green and gold balls. "Daddy, I BE-L-EA-F in you!" the front of the adorable card red before the dad-of-one showed off the message inside.
"To Daddy, Good Luck in the finals! You can do it! I love you! From, Mia," it read. And it clearly moved Gorka who shared the post alongside the caption: " My little princess… I love you," alongside some emoji faces holding back tears. The post was quickly littered with hears from Gorka's Strictly pals before fans gushed over Mia's message and offered their own.
@magicroundabout57 said: "I will be voting for your Papa and Helen tonight Sweet Mia." @lara_gifford wrote: "So beautiful… xx Good luck Helen and Gorka. Truly is deserved!" @laneelizabeth44 commented: "Awwwww cmon papa bring the glitter ball home." @xxkathymacxx replied: "Oh lord, don't get me [crying] already. So cute."
@toffeegirl7 posted: "What a credit Mia is to you and Gemma . An absolute sweetheart xx Good Luck." @joanna.burton12 shared: "Really hope you and Helen win too. Mia is so beautiful." @millywarkup added: "That’s so adorable. I hope you win tonight too, will be cheering you on. Good luck!! we are all proud of you both no matter the outcome."
READ NEXT:
- BBC Strictly's Hamza Yassin says he still does not think he can dance ahead of show's final
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Helen Skelton's one-word question to Gorka Marquez uncovered amid 'last day'
- Helen Skelton addresses confidence change after co-star spoke out in her defence
- BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Jayde Adams claps back at former pro over Helen Skelton comments
- Gemma Atkinson sparks concern as she completes 'last' of 2022 after sharing rare gushing message about fiance Gorka Marquez and Helen Skelton