A Strictly Come Dancing pro has announced he won't be competing in the upcoming season of the show to focus on a new project.
Strictly pro dancer Gorka Márquez has shared he'll be on the judging panel of Bailando con las estrellas, the Spanish version of the BBC's dancing competition.
Taking to Instagram, Gorka said that his new commitment as judge meant he couldn't make the dates work to appear on the next Strictly in a regular capacity. However, he'll still join his fellow pros in "lots of the group numbers".
"I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September," Gorka wrote.
"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," he added.
Related: Best streaming services
Gorka thanked fans for their "love and support", receiving comments of encouragement from his co-stars and Strictly celebrities, including Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystał, Karen Hauer and Nikita Kuzmin.
What to Read Next
Dr Punam Krishan, who was Gorka's celebrity partner on the latest season of Strictly, wrote: "Super proud of you Gorka, huge congratulations."
"Congrats papi," pro Johannes Radebe wrote, adding a red heart emoji.
Related: BBC announces Strictly Come Dancing investigation into alleged drug use
Fans have also reached out to support the dancer in his new endeavour, with one person writing: "Utterly Devastated - but happy for you of course" with a red heart emoji.
"Noooooo! Strictly won't be the same without you!" someone else wrote. "I hope you enjoy every minute of it!"
"It won't be the same without you," was another comment, "but so excited for your judging role again! Congratulations!! And I'm looking forward to the group numbers."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
Read more Strictly news on our dedicated homepage
Digital Spy's new print issue is here! Buy Oasis - Live in '25 in newsagents or online, now priced at just £8.99.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
