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:
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! "
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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