Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been left 'gutted' after it was announced Gorka Marquez would no longer be taking part in an upcoming tour. Fresh off the back of the Professionals show, which opened in Salford at the end of April, the Spanish dancer was set to appear in Strictly Presents... Keeeep Dancing.
The 35-date tour begins on June 22 and sees celebrities and professionals from the hit BBC One dance show give audiences a glimpse behind the glitterball via "stunning choreography and fascinating storytelling".
Rehearsals for the show are already underway but Gorka and the tour team had sad news to share with fans as has been forced to pull out of the show due to injury. Gorka, 31, said in a statement: "I’m very disappointed not to be able to join the tour, but I must follow medical advice and rest and recuperate. I’ll be cheering everyone on from home. Audiences are in for a real treat!"
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He will be replaced by South African Latin champion Cameron Lombard, it has been announced. He joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 and he will be part of the line-up of professionals when the hit BBC One show returns for its 20th series this autumn.
He said: "It’s a real thrill for me to be joining this new Strictly tour. Keeeep Dancing is all about giving the audiences a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes at the TV show – I know they are going to love it! We will all miss Gorka on the road with us. I’m sending him my very best for a speedy recovery."
Gorka also shared the news to his Instagram story, sharing a post from the official Strictly Come Dancing Live Instagram account. And fans were quick to share their upset as well as flood Gorka with well wishes. @amelia_shimells simply wrote: "Gutted."
@mother_of_girls_82 said: "Get well soon @gorka_marquez, need you back fit for the main show later on in the year." @whitesandshomeaccessories replied: "Get well soon @gorka_marquez Sending lots of Love and Healing Vibes." While @freddexmorgan commented: "It is sad I agree! But great to see that Cameron gets another go on another Strictly tour!"
He has since shared a follow up post, explaining that he suffered an injury during the 'Strictly Professionals' tour and was able to continue on with 'treatment and care'. However, he has since suffered a 'flare-up' and has had to pull out on doctors and physios orders.
EastEnders star Maisie Smith, who was a finalist alongside Gorka in the 2020 series of Strictly, is among the line-up for the Keeeep Dancing tour and is joined by Strictly 2021 semi-finalist and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson. Professionals for the event include Neil Jones, Jowita Przystal and Nancy Xu, with live music from The Wanted's Max George, another Strictly 2020 series alumnus.
Director of Strictly Presents: Keeeep Dancing! Trent Whiddon added: "We are very sad that Gorka has had to withdraw but know we’ll be in safe hands with Cameron joining the cast. We’ve just started rehearsals and the show is going to be spectacular.
"Audiences will enjoy some of their favourite numbers from the BBC One show and some amazing new routines, as well as learning first hand from our cast the secret hopes, heartbreaks and goals on the TV show."
