Gorka Márquez pulls out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing
He will only take part in certain group numbers
He's been one of the most popular professional dancers since he first joined the show during series 14 in 2016, so Strictly Come Dancing fans will be disappointed to learn that Spanish dancer Gorka Márquez won't feature as normal for the upcoming series.
Although he was initially announced as one of this year's pro dancers, Gorka has since revealed he will return as a judge on Bailando con las estrellas, the Spanish version of the popular show, meaning he won't be able to commit to filming and work alongside a celebrity partner.
He told fans on social media: 'I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.
'Due to the filming dates this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly but I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the Show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES. 🪩
'As always thank you for all The love and support❤️🙏
'and remember!
'Keep dancing!!! 🪩🕺 '. (sic)
Although Gorks won't appear every week with a celebrity, he has confirmed he will still feature on the show in certain group dances, and revealed he will return to the show to support his co-stars during the final few weeks of the competition.
Earlier this year, Strictly bosses revealed 18 professional dancers would be returning for the 2025 series, including the likes of Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
Just last month, the BBC then announced two brand new professional dancers, in the form of Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
Check out all of this year's professional dancers below:
Dianne Buswell
Dianne was a professional on the Australian version of Strictly Come Dancing before she joined the UK cast in 2017. In 2024 she won the show with comedian Chris McCausland.
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, Amy returned to the show in 2024.
Gorka Marquez
Gorka joined the show in 2016 and has danced in three finals. In 2024 he was paired with Dr Punam Krishan.
Karen Hauer
Karen is the longest serving dancer in the current line-up, having joined in 2012. Last year she was paired with Paul Merson.
Katya Jones
Katya lifted the glitterball with actor Joe McFadden in 2017 and has been a Strictly professional since 2016. She danced with Wynne Evans in 2024.
Johannes Radebe
Johannes has been a Strictly pro since 2018. He danced with Gladiator Montell Douglas in 2024.
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 wasn't paired with anybody.
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 Pete Wicks in 2024.
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 didn't have a celeb partner.
Nikita Kuzmin
Nikita joined the show in 2021. He made the final during the 2023 series alongside his partner Layton Williams, and was paired with Sam Quek in 2024.
Nancy Xu
Nancy was paired with actor Shayne Ward in 2024. 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, actress and comedian Nina Wadia, and Toyah Willcox in 2024.
Lauren Oakley
Lauren joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, and her first celebrity partner was Krishnan Guru-Murthy during the 2023 series. Lauren stepped in for injured dancer Amy Dowden last year, working with JB Gill.
Luba Mushtuk
Luba became a professional dancer on the programme in 2018. In 2024 she was paired with Nick Knowles.
Nadiya Bychkova
Nadiya joined the show in 2017. In 2024 she was paired with Tom Dean.
Michelle Tsiakkas
Michelle joined Strictly in 2022 and was given her first celeb partner in Jamie Borthwick in 2024.
Aljaž Škorjanec
Aljaž Škorjanec appeared on the show for a massive nine years before announcing he'd quit in 2022. However, much to the delight of fans, BBC bosses confirmed in July 2024 that he would be returning a professional dancer for the 2024 series, making it all the way to the final with Tasha Ghouri.
Alexis Warr
American dancer Alexis Warr has joined the series for 2025. She said: "I've admired Strictly for years, so joining this incredible family is such an honour. I can't wait to step into the ballroom, pour my heart into every moment, and share my love of dance with the UK."
Julian Caillon
Australian dancer Julian Caillon has joined the series for 2025. He said: "Joining the cast of Strictly really is a dream come true. I've watched it for years, especially cheering on all the amazing dancers I know and work with who've been part of it. I can't wait to get stuck in, have some fun, and be part of something special! "
Although we know which pro dancers will appear on the 2025 series, bosses are yet to reveal this year's celebrity line-up, but that hasn't stopped the yearly rumours.
Famous names such as Stacey Solomon, Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison have all been linked to the show, you can see the full rumoured line-up right here.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.
Now read:
Everything we know so far about Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: All of the rumoured celebrities
Strictly Come Dancing: Professional dancers confirmed for 2025 series