Gorka Marquez has pulled out of being partnered with a celebrity on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer, 34, will be missing from the BBC show for three weeks this year to work as a judge on the Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas.
His judging commitments means he can’t have a professional partner on the new series and will be instead part of the ensemble dancers.
According to The Sun, Gorka will appear as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks and then will be gone for a month before returning in week 11.
A source said: ‘Strictly bosses were desperate to keep Gorka so have made it work around his schedule to make sure he’s as involved as possible because he’s such a fan favourite.’
Gorka Marquez has pulled out of being partnered with a celebrity on the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing
The dancer, 34, will be missing from the BBC show for three weeks this year to work as a judge on the Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas (pictured with Dr. Punam Krishnan)
Gorka took to Instagram to confirm he would be a judge on the Spanish version of Strictly.
He wrote: ‘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 supportand remember!’
It comes after Strictly unveiled two new pros who are joining the lineup ahead of the much-anticipated new series this autumn.
Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon will shimmy onto screens alongside a slew of much-loved pros later this year, with both already familiar to the show, having performed on the show’s international versions, Dancing With The Stars.
American-born Alexis Warr, 25, is best known for winning US dance series So You Think You Can Dance in 2022 and was crowned as ‘America’s Favourite Dancer’, becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin dancer to claim the title.
She has performed as a guest Professional Dancer and in the dance troupe on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars, and has been part of the series’ accompanying US tour for the past three years.
As well as appearing on America’s Got Talent, World of Dance, and on national tours across the States, Alexis has also joined Dancing With The Stars judge Derek Hough for three tours, in addition to his Las Vegas residency.
A source said: ‘Strictly bosses were desperate to keep Gorka so have made it work around his schedule to make sure he’s as involved as possible because he’s such a fan favourite’
It comes after Strictly unveiled two sexy new pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who are joining the lineup ahead of the much-anticipated new series this autumn
Prior to the announcement, Alexis hinted that she could be joining the Strictly pros in the new lineup, as she shared a video ahead of her flight to the UK over the weekend.
The fiery redhead has been married to dentist Jake Burton for six years, and regularly shares sweet snaps with her spouse on Instagram.
Speaking about joining the show, Alexis 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.’
Australian-born Julian has been dancing since the age of 10, specialising in Ballroom and Latin American, and going onto represent Australia on the international stage.
He appeared as a Professional Dancer on three seasons of Australia’s Dancing With The Stars, has toured the globe with hit dance show Burn The Floor, and also competed on So You Think You Can Dance in Australia.
Julian has a degree in Exercise Physiology from UNSW Sydney and, alongside his dance career, has worked as a Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist.
Back in December, Julian announced his engagement to his girlfriend Sofia, posting a sweet video of their beachside proposal on Instagram.
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! ‘
