Actress Gemma Atkinson has penned a sweet message to partner Gorka Marquez after he revealed he was forced to pull out of the Strictly Presents tour due to an injury. The professional dancer revealed he was "so sad" to withdraw from the upcoming event following medical advice.
In a statement published to Instagram, Gorka explained: "I am so sad to announce that, following medical advice, I have to withdraw from the 'Strictly Presents' tour.
"During the 'Strictly Professionals' tour I suffered an injury that, with treatment and care, let me carry on through the last few weeks of the tour.
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"Unfortunately last week I had a flair up of my injury causing me a lot of pain and problems, even to walk. Following the advice from doctors and physios, I have had to stop my involvement in this new tour.!
He added: "I am very sad not to be able to perform and dance again with @maisiesmithofficial (and the rest of the cast!) but I know the show will be amazing and the audience will be in for a real treat. Now it is time to rest and rehab so I can be ready for Strictly 2022. All the love and keep dancing!!!!"
Taking to the comments section, Gemma wrote "Proud of you for getting through those last few weeks! I know how painful it was for you at times.
"Rest and rehab then back to the show, can’t have you home for too long messing up my routine."
On her Instagram story, Gemma also wrote: "Gorks was in so much pain the last few weeks of the tour. She added: "Proud of him for getting through it. Now, on the advice of doctors and physios, it's rest and rehab, ready for Strictly 2022." The BBC series will return later in the year without judge Bruno Tonioli, read more about that here.
Dancer Cameron Lombard is set to take Gorka's place in the show. He said: "We will all miss Gorka on the road with us. I'm sending him my very best for a speedy recovery." Gorka, who will spend the next few months recovering with "rest and rehab", will still be competing in Strictly Come Dancing's next series at the current time.
Kicking off on June 22 at Tunbridge Wells' Assembly Halls, the 35 date tour will give audiences a chance to go behind the glitterball and into the wonderful sparkly world of Strictly Come Dancing.
Gorka has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing since 2016. During his time on the show, he has been partnered with the likes of EastEnders' Tameka Empson and Maisie Smith, X Factor's Alexandra Burke and of course, Gemma.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC in the Autumn
