He's been a favourite with viewers for the last seven years but reports now suggest that a much-loved professional dancer on the hit BBC One show is set to to leave. Gorka Marquez was most recently partnered with TV presenter Helen Skelton, with the duo missing out on the trophy in last week's final.
The 32-year-old has experienced much success on Strictly Come Dancing in recent years, in 2020 he went all the way to the final with actress Maisie Smith. However, he was second out in 2021 with Coronation Street actress Katie McGlynn
Reports now suggest the professional dancer is now said to be feeling Strictly's "seven year itch" after failing to take home the Glitterball Trophy, OK! reports.
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.
READ MORE: We try Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl chocolate Santas and one stood out
"Gorka has become an established figure in the contest and a name in his own right, which could allow him to go on to bigger things. "There’s no suggestion of any bad feeling between him and the BBC. It remains to be seen if producers will now offer him a deal enticing enough to sign up for next year’s show."
BBC declined to comment when approached by OK! while Gorka's representatives have been contacted for comment.
It comes after more disappointment for Gorka fans this week when Helen was confirmed for the Strictly live tour, but not with Gorka. The presenter instead confirmed she would be joining the line-up alongside Kai Widdrington.
The show has not only been full of professional highs for the dancer, it's also lead to changes in his personal life. He is now engaged to former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson after the couple met when she appeared on Strictly in 2017. he couple welcomed daughter Mia in 2019.
Many viewers felt Gorka's disappointment was written all over his face following the announcement, of who had won the Glitterball Trophy on last week's final. The 32-year-old indicated he will be back as he reflected on this year's series in a lengthy post on Instagram,
Gorka shared a series of black and white photos with Helen as he wrote: "Oh… Where to start, It’s has been a incredible journey. I feel so grateful I got not only to dance with you @helenskelton but also to be by your side in your own personal journey and see your transformation from day one.
"Thank you for all the memories, laughs, coffees, toast, parent chats, car journeys. Like I said yesterday In the show you’re a special person who light up a room when walks in and I am so proud you got to smile and shine again. "I’ve loved every single moment dancing with you and I am so proud of us until the last dance! You’re a Star."
Gorka was flooded with messages of support for him and Helen.
READ MORE:
