GEMMA Atkinson has hit back at claims she forced Gorka Marquez to quit Strictly Come Dancing and has revealed why he actually left.
The professional dancer, 35, announced he was leaving the BBC One show last month after 10 years as part of the pro line-up.
Gemma Atkinson has been forced to hit back at claims that she’s the reason why Gorka Marquez quit Strictly
Now his fiancee Gemma, who he met on the show in 2017, has addressed comments being made about her being the reason for his exit.
Speaking on the latest episode of their podcast, Lost In Translation, she expressed: “It wasn’t my decision which I’d like to point out for everybody who messaged me on Instagram saying, ‘you’ve finally got what you want now’.”
As well as appearing on Strictly, Gorka was also appearing as a judge on the Spanish version, Bailando Con Las Estrellas and the juggling of the two became too much.
The couple realised he needed to prioritise his family and Gorka included his daughter Mia, six, in the decision making.
Gemma, 41, told listeners: “When we were talking about it we did include Mia. We said to Mia, ‘what would you rather Papa do? Would you rather he work in Spain at weekends or work in England during Strictly?’
“She said, ‘well I do love watching him dance, but I love having him home more’. And we were like, ‘right, signed, sealed, delivered.’
“She said to my mum, ‘me, mummy and papa have decided, this year he’s not going to be dancing on Strictly’.”
The former Hollyoaks star admitted their youngest child, son Thiago, 2, also “struggled with you being away on tour more than we thought.”
Gorka confirmed his departure last month with a heartfelt statement on Instagram which began: “After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
“I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity—over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends.
“For that, I will forever be thankful. Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family.
“Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing,” he concluded.
The BBC also confirmed Gorka’s departure in their own message in which they said they were “incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series” and wished him success in his judging role in the Spanish edition of the programme.
Gorka first joined the show in 2016 but stepped down as a full-time pro last year.
It meant he was rarely seen on screen as he failed to dance with a celebrity.
During his decade long-run on the show, he was given celebrity partners eight times and made it to the final on three occasions with Alexandra Burke, Helen Skelton and Maisie Smith.
A number of other pros have also been axed from the show for the upcoming series including Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas.
