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Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez(Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)
Gorka Marquez has confirmed when fans will next see him live in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom as he dealt them a ‘blow’ about this year’s Christmas special.
Those who follow the BBC One dance contest know that Gorka stepped back from competing this year, having already been confirmed as returning to the pro line-up.
Ahead of the 2025 series getting underway, the Spanish dancer revealed that he wouldn’t be getting a celebrity partner this year as he headed back to a judging role on the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las Estrellas, a position he first took on last year.
While he was part of the pre-recording of the show’s group numbers, which continue to be played out throughout the series, Gorka hasn’t been seen live in the ballroom so far this year, with Bailando con las estrellas also taking place on a Saturday evening.
But, Gorka confirmed at the time that he would return before Strictly’s 23rd series comes to an end, and that time is edging closer as he offered an update.
The 35-year-old took part in a Q&A session on Instagram as he headed back to Madrid for his judging role and when one fan asked: “When will you be back on Strictly?” Gorka confirmed: “DECEMBER.”
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Gorka has been involved in pre-recorded performances(Image: BBC)
Another follower question: “Will you be at the Strictly semi-finals?” to which Gorka replied: “Yes I will be there,” alongside the dancer emojis.
But one thing fans did seem to be disappointed about is that Gorka’s judging role also means he won’t be a part of Strictly’s Christmas special this year, which will once again air on Christmas Day (December 25).
Asked: “Will you be taking part in the Strictly Christmas special this year?” the dad-of-two replied: “Not this year. I did it last year @voguewilliams,” as he added a clip of the TV star filming ahead of their stint on the festive special in 2024.
Following the confirmations, @GorkasJoe took to X (formerly Twitter) and said: “Gorka won’t be taking part in the Christmas special,” before adding a broken heart emoji.
@misfituser38 replied: “That’s a shame, we’re seeing less and less of Gorka.” @DebbieBlackma14 commented: “That’s sad.” @PJackson94303 cried: “Nooooooo.” @atvfriend added: “Nooooooo ffs.”
But as some Strictly fans worry about his future on the show, when Gorka was asked during a previous Q&A last month: “Will you be back on Strictly next year?” he responded: “I hope so!! I would love too!”
