Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has revealed why he will not be taking part in the 2025 BBC Live Tour.
Despite being a fan favorite and a regular feature of the show’s live tours, Gorka explained that his decision to skip this year’s tour is motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family.
The 34-year-old Spanish dancer has been part of Strictly since 2016, and over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the most dedicated and popular professionals on the show.
He has reached the final twice, once with former EastEnders actress Maisie Smith in 2020 and again with TV presenter Helen Skelton in 2022.
However, while his presence is expected at every Strictly season, Gorka won’t be joining his fellow dancers on the nationwide live tour set to launch in January 2025.
In an exclusive interview, Gorka shared that the decision stems from a desire to be at home with his partner, actress Gemma Atkinson, and their two children, Mia and Thiago.
“The last time I did the live tour was in 2017. Strictly takes up half of the year, and it’s so intense and busy,” he said. “I have to leave Gemma at home with the kids and be wherever my celebrity partner is. After Strictly, I just want to be at home for a couple of months so I can spend time with Gemma and the children.”
Balancing the hectic schedule of the show with family life has been a challenge for Gorka, especially as his children grow older. “It’s hard to go away,” he confessed. “You miss things like singing Christmas songs or seeing your child’s first day at swimming class. It’s one of those things, but it’s part of the job.” Gorka acknowledged how much Gemma does to help manage their household while he’s away and emphasized the importance of their strong support system, including Gemma’s parents and his own sister, who live nearby and help out when he is on tour.
Despite the challenges, Gorka is proud of his family life. Mia, who is now five years old, has grown accustomed to his absences but still misses him when he’s away for extended periods. “It hurts a little bit,” Gorka admitted. “But then you realize you’re doing everything for them, to provide and give them the best life possible.”
The couple’s children, particularly Mia, have learned to cope with their father’s work schedule. Mia, in particular, is excited to watch her dad on TV, even when he’s away on tour. “She loves watching me on Strictly on Saturday nights with a pick and mix,” he laughed.
While Gorka won’t be part of the Strictly Live Tour, he will still be hitting the road for his own nationwide tour with co-star Karen Hauer. The duo’s new dance production, *Speakeasy*, is set to bring a thrilling, intimate dance experience to audiences across the UK. Fans can expect a mix of captivating dance styles including Mamba, Salsa, Charleston, Foxtrot, and Samba. Gorka is excited about the upcoming tour, which he describes as an “undercover world of dance” that will fully immerse audiences in the experience.
“I’m so excited to go back on the road with Karen,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm for bringing their dance show to different cities. “We’ll be taking our fans on an unforgettable journey with incredible performances and a fun-filled atmosphere.”
Though Gorka is missing out on the Strictly Live Tour, he remains committed to balancing his professional career with his personal life. Spending quality time with Gemma, Mia, and Thiago is his priority, and Gorka has worked hard to ensure that he maintains this important family connection while continuing to pursue his dance career.
Fans of Gorka can still look forward to his performances as part of the *Speakeasy* tour, where he promises to deliver a top-tier dance experience that will leave the audience wanting more. Whether on Strictly or in his own productions, Gorka’s dedication to both his craft and his family is evident.
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