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Gorka Marquez reveals he's taking a back seat for Strictly Come Dancing 2019

The professional dancer won't have a partner this year

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 22nd Aug 2019
Last updated 22nd Aug 2019

Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez has revealed that he won't have as much of a prominent role in this year's series of the show. The professional dancer, who has just welcomed his first child with Gemma Atkinson, has announced that whilst he'll still be on the show, he won't be partnered with any celebrities.

He'll still be a part of the group dances and help with choreography, but the 28-year-old has decided to have a slightly lesser role for 2019.

Taking to Instagram, Gorka told his fans, "For everybody that’s been asking, I can let you know that this series, I sadly won’t be partnered with a celebrity for the main series of Strictly. However, I will still be heavily involved in all of the group numbers and all things Strictly!

"I’m excited to see this year’s celebs and my fellow professionals dance for the Glitter Ball and I hope to be back fighting for it next year. As always, it’s gonna be a GREAT series."

Fans were devastated that Gorka won't be in the main cast, with many taking to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote, 'Nooo why?? You are brilliant?? I hope it’s your choice so you can spend more time with baby and mum,' and Gemma herself joked, 'Will save me a fortune voting 😜 Love you ❤️.'

Swipe through to see which celebrities are taking part in Strictly Come Dancing 2019...

Kelvin Fletcher

Kelvin Fletcher has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2019 as a late addition! The former Emmerdale star stepped in as a replacement for Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, who was forced to pull out after injuring himself in training.

Gorka Marquez reveals he's taking a back seat for Strictly Come Dancing 2019
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Anneka Rice

Presenter Anneka Rice has joined the Strictly 2019 family! The official Strictly team tweeted, 'We challenge Anneka to one series of #Strictly. Ready to sparkle it's national treasure 💎 @AnnekaRice.'


Anneka said, "I haven't danced since I was 7 and Miss Beer sent me home from my ballet class because I was hopelessly uncoordinated. My family and friends haven't seen me dance since, not at a wedding or round a handbag so it's going to be a challenge for my partner. In fact I've asked for two, one on each side. I can't see myself in a long frilly dress either. But I'm feeling recklessly excited. Strictly has always been my autumn's entertainment and now I'm part of it! My children will probably leave the country."

Gemma also took to Instagram to share Gorka's news, sharing a hilarious Boomerang of the couple. She wrote, 'Sad to not be seeing Gorks partnered up and fighting it out for the Glitter Ball this year... “he’s my favourite” (Apart from team AliG obviously) 😜

'Looking forward to watching the show though with all of the fab group numbers he’ll be in! And at least now I only have to vote for Aljaz and not the both of them 😂.' sic

Whilst fans were devastated that they won't be seeing as much of Gorka this year, they were happy that it meant he would be able to spend more time with Gemma and baby Mia. One wrote, 'If it means he gets more time with you and Mia, then I’ll relent a little!' and another added, 'Yes this is the good thing that he spends more time with Gemma and Mia.'

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