Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez 'set to leave' the BBC show after seven years

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez is reportedly "set to leave" the BBC show after having been among its line-up of professional dancers for seven series.

Gorka, 32 – who joined the show in 2016 – had most recently been partnered with presenter Helen Skelton, 39. They reached the final together last weekend, but didn't win.

It has now been claimed that Gorka – who has been a finalist on three occasions – may be about to depart the BBC show.

There is speculation that he is feeling a "seven year itch" which has reportedly led other dancers to leave the show in the past. They're said to have left to explore other projects.

It's been reported that Gorka Marquez (left), pictured with Helen Skelton (right), may leave Strictly Come Dancing (PA)

A source told the Sun: "He looked so devastated last week because he knew the final might be his last chance of taking home the Glitterball, which had eluded him twice before."

They added that he has become an "established figure" in the competition and a "name in his own right," which could allow him to pursue other opportunities moving forward.

The source said that there is "no suggestion" of any ill feeling between him and the BBC. They added: "It remains to be seen if producers will now offer him a deal enticing enough to sign up for next year's show."

The dancer, pictured during a routine this year, has been on the BBC show since 2016 (PA)

The speculation comes after Gorka himself teased that he would be returning for next year's series. He made the suggestion in a post on Instagram just a few days ago.

The post saw him reflect on the latest series of the BBC show. He wrote towards the end of the caption: "Strictly 23 let's go!" Gorka added: "In the mean time, keep dancing".

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He was most recently partnered with presenter Helen (BBC)

And the claim also comes after he attracted attention over this year's final. Gorka and celebrity partner Helen were announced as one of the runner-up couples last weekend.

Wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin, 32, and his dance partner Jowita Przystał, 28, were crowned the winners. Some viewers felt that Gorka looked "fuming" after the result.

They made it to the final, where they were announced as being among the runner-up couples (BBC)

Gorka joined the show in its fourteenth series which aired in 2016. He has appeared on six subsequent series, with him reaching the final on three occasions, including this year.

He first became a finalist with singer Alexandra Burke, now 34, in 2017. The professional dancer was runner-up again with EastEnders actor Maisie Smith, now 21, in 2020.

He didn't make it as far with actor Tameka Empson, now 45, presenter Katie Piper, now 39, nor actor Katie McGlynn, now 29. Gorka didn't have a celebrity partner in 2019.

The BBC declined to comment.

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