Gorka Márquez speaks out over Giovanni Pernice's Strictly exit
Giovanni won't appear on the 2024 series
Although it's not on our screens until later in the year, the biggest news surrounding Strictly Come Dancing right now isn't about which celebs will be on the show, it's actually surrounding a very popular professional dancer.
Following a number of accusations towards fan favourite Giovanni Pernice from a number of his former partners, the Italian was left out of this year's professional line-up, which also sees the return of Amy Dowden, following her battle with cancer.
Whilst many current and former professionals have come out in support of Giovanni, who strongly denies all accusations, Gorka Márquez has now spoken about the matter during an appearance on Good Morning Britain alongside fellow pro Karen Hauer.
Host Susanna Reid asked: "Can I just ask about Gio – because you're now the longest-running dancer, because Gio is not going to be involved in this series. What is that like for the Strictly family when someone of that level leaves?"
He said: "It's like when Aljaž leaves or Oti leaves, or when Anton decides to go to the judge role. Everyone is a big part of the show. When someone decides to leave or change their careers, it's sad for everybody."
Gorka later revealed he's in contact with Givanni 'sometimes', but added he's very busy at the moment on tour with Anton Du Beke. He added: "Sometimes we speak, he's busy, I'm busy. He's on tour at the minute with Anton."
Check out all of this year's Strictly professionals below:
Vito Coppola
Vito joined the show in 2022 and made it all the way to the final with Hits Radio presenter Fleur East. In 2024, Vito went one step further, winning the show with former Corrie actress Ellie Leach.
Amy Dowden
Caerphilly-born Amy first joined Strictly in 2017 and quickly became a fan favourite. In 2023 she was forced to miss the show after being diagnosed with cancer in May. After undergoing successful treatment, it's now been confirmed Amy will return to the show for the 2024 series!
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2023 he was paired with Nikita Kanda.
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2023, she made it to the final with Bobby Brazier.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Eddie Kadi.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with actor Nigel Harman in 2023.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Tennis legend Annabel Croft in 2023.
Kai Widdrington
Kai became a professional dancer in 2021, when he reached the final with presenter AJ Odudu but had to pull out due to an injury. Last year, Kai was paired with Angela Rippon.
Jowita Przystal
Jowita joined the show in 2021 and was given her first professional partner, Hamza Yassin, in the 2022 series, with the pair went on to win the show. Jowita was then paired with Jody Cundy in 2023.
Carlos Gu
Carlos joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and was partnered with CBBC star Molly Rainford. The pair reached the final of the show. Last year, Carlos was paired with Angela Scanlon.
Graziano Di Prima
Graziano has been a Strictly pro since 2018. Last year, he was paired with former Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Les Dennis in 2023. She has been a professional on the show since 2019.
Neil Jones
Neil has been a Strictly professional since 2016. His past celebrity partners include professional footballer Alex Scott and actress and comedian Nina Wadia.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2023 she was paired with actor Adam Thomas.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2022, she danced with Matt Goss. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022. She was without a celebrity partner last year.
Following the announced of this year's Strictly pro line-up earlier this month, Giovanni released a statement to Instagram, denying all allegations.
He told fans: 'To my fans and followers. Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.
'As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.
'I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
'I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – you messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.
'With love, Giovanni'.
No start date has been announced for the 20th anniversary series of Strictly, but the show is expected to return in September.
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