Few professional dancers on British television have built a fan following quite like Gorka Márquez. Known for his charisma, athletic choreography, and standout performances on Strictly Come Dancing, the Spanish dancer has become one of the most recognizable faces in modern ballroom entertainment.

From representing Spain in elite dance competitions to becoming a household name in the UK, Gorka’s career has evolved far beyond the ballroom floor. His relationship with actress and presenter Gemma Atkinson has also kept him in the public eye, making the couple one of Britain’s most talked-about celebrity families.

This article explores Gorka Márquez’s background, dance career, personal life, television success, and recent developments surrounding his future in entertainment.

Who Is Gorka Márquez? A Short Biography

Detail	Information
Full Name	Gorka Márquez
Date of Birth	4 September 1990
Age	35 (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Profession	Professional Dancer, Choreographer, TV Personality
Years Active	2010–present
Famous For	Strictly Come Dancing
Height	Approximately 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Marital Status	Engaged
Partner	Gemma Atkinson
Children	Mia and Thiago
Source of Income	Television, Dance Tours, Brand Work, Live Performances
Social Media	Instagram and other major platforms

Early Life and Dance Background

Growing Up in Bilbao

Gorka Márquez was born in Bilbao, a city in northern Spain known for its strong cultural identity and vibrant arts scene. He began dancing at the age of 12, showing an early passion for Latin and ballroom styles. Unlike many television personalities who enter entertainment through acting or modeling, Gorka’s foundation came from years of disciplined competitive dance training.

His commitment quickly paid off. By his early twenties, he was representing Spain in international dance competitions. According to publicly available records, he competed in the World Latin Championships in 2010 and later reached the semi-finals of the World DanceSport Federation World Cup in 2012.

Competitive Dance Career

Before becoming a television celebrity, Gorka spent years building credibility within the professional dance world. Competitive ballroom dancing demands physical precision, endurance, and technical mastery, and Gorka developed a reputation for high-energy Latin routines.

His career expanded internationally when he joined the live dance production Burn the Floor in 2014. Touring with the show exposed him to global audiences and helped refine the performance style that later made him popular on television. The experience also prepared him for the fast-paced world of live entertainment and touring productions.

Rise to Fame on Strictly Come Dancing

Joining the BBC Dance Phenomenon

In 2016, Gorka Márquez joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. His debut season paired him with actress Tameka Empson. Although the pair exited early, viewers immediately noticed Gorka’s stage presence and approachable personality.

The following year proved to be a breakthrough. Partnered with singer Alexandra Burke, Gorka reached the final and finished as runner-up. Their routines consistently earned high scores, and the partnership became one of the standout pairings of the season.

Memorable Partnerships and Performances

Over the years, Gorka danced with several celebrities on the show, including:

• Katie Piper
• Maisie Smith
• Helen Skelton
• Dr Punam Krishan

His partnership with Helen Skelton in particular drew praise for emotional storytelling and technical growth throughout the competition. Many fans viewed their routines as some of the strongest choreography of that season.

Gorka became known for combining athletic Latin routines with emotionally driven ballroom performances. That balance helped him stand out in a cast filled with experienced professionals.

Why Fans Connected With Him

Part of Gorka Márquez’s popularity comes from his personality off the dance floor. Interviews, behind-the-scenes clips, and social media posts often show a humorous and grounded side that audiences find relatable.

Unlike some reality television personalities who maintain a polished public image, Gorka’s appeal often lies in his openness about family life, parenting challenges, and career pressures. This authenticity helped him build a loyal fan base beyond dance enthusiasts.

Relationship With Gemma Atkinson

How They Met

Gorka met Gemma Atkinson during the 2017 season of Strictly Come Dancing. Although they were not paired together on the show, their friendship developed behind the scenes and later turned romantic.

The relationship became public in 2018 and quickly attracted media attention. Fans appreciated the couple’s chemistry and playful interactions, especially on social media and television appearances.

Family Life

The couple welcomed their daughter Mia in July 2019 and later had a son, Thiago, in 2023. Gorka and Gemma frequently share glimpses of family life, balancing demanding entertainment careers with parenting responsibilities.

Their relationship has also been featured in reality programming, including Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens, which explored their home life, careers, and parenting journey. The series helped audiences see a more personal side of the pair beyond television glamour.

Engagement and Wedding Plans

Gorka proposed to Gemma Atkinson on Valentine’s Day in 2021. While the couple remain engaged, they have publicly discussed delaying wedding plans due to busy schedules and family priorities.

In interviews, both have emphasized wanting their children to be fully involved in the ceremony. Reports have also suggested they are considering either a UK wedding or a celebration in Spain to include Gorka’s extended family.

Career Beyond Strictly

Expanding Into Television Judging

In recent years, Gorka expanded his career beyond performing. He joined the judging panel for the Spanish dance competition Bailando con las Estrellas, often described as Spain’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.

The move showed another side of his expertise. Rather than simply performing routines, he began evaluating choreography, technique, musicality, and performance quality. Viewers noted his direct judging style and strong technical expectations.

Live Tours and Public Appearances

Alongside television work, Gorka has remained active in live dance tours and stage productions. Touring continues to be an important part of his career, allowing him to connect with audiences in a more traditional performance environment.

His appearances at dance weekends, stage productions, and charity events have kept him highly visible within the entertainment industry. He has also participated in special television events, including charity football matches and festive dance specials.

Leaving Strictly Come Dancing

The End of a Decade on the Show

One of the biggest recent developments in Gorka Márquez’s career came in 2026, when reports confirmed he would leave Strictly Come Dancing after roughly a decade on the show.

In public statements, Gorka described the decision as deeply emotional. He explained that the show transformed his life professionally and personally, helping him build a career, meet his partner, and start a family.

Why He Chose to Move On

Several factors appear to have influenced the decision. Ongoing commitments in Spain reportedly created scheduling conflicts with the BBC series. At the same time, Gorka has spoken openly about wanting more family time.

Reports also suggest that balancing television projects across two countries became increasingly difficult after becoming a father of two.

Despite leaving the main series, he remains connected to dance through tours, television judging, and live appearances.

Gorka Márquez’s Lasting Impact

A Modern Ballroom Star

Gorka represents a newer generation of dance celebrities who blend technical skill with mainstream entertainment appeal. His success demonstrates how professional dancers can become major television personalities while still maintaining credibility within competitive dance circles.

His journey from Bilbao dance competitions to British prime-time television reflects the increasingly global nature of entertainment careers.

Influence on Dance Popularity

Shows like Strictly Come Dancing have introduced ballroom and Latin dance to younger audiences, and Gorka played a significant role in that movement. His routines frequently trended online, while his social media presence helped make professional dance feel more accessible to everyday viewers.

For many fans, he became more than a dancer. He evolved into a recognizable media personality associated with family life, positivity, and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old is Gorka Márquez?

A: Gorka Márquez was born on 4 September 1990, making him 35 years old in 2026. He was born in Bilbao, Spain, and began dancing professionally at a young age.

Q: Is Gorka Márquez married to Gemma Atkinson?

A: Gorka Márquez and Gemma Atkinson are engaged but not yet married. The couple announced their engagement in 2021 and share two children together.

Q: Why did Gorka Márquez leave Strictly Come Dancing?

A: Reports indicate that Gorka left Strictly Come Dancing in 2026 due to family priorities and professional commitments in Spain, including his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas.

Q: Does Gorka Márquez have children?

A: Yes. Gorka and Gemma Atkinson have two children, a daughter named Mia and a son named Thiago.

Q: Where is Gorka Márquez from?

A: Gorka Márquez is from Bilbao in the Basque Country region of northern Spain.

Conclusion

Gorka Márquez has built a career that extends far beyond ballroom competitions. From elite dance tournaments in Spain to becoming one of the most recognizable professionals on Strictly Come Dancing, his journey reflects talent, adaptability, and consistent hard work.

His popularity has grown not only because of his dancing ability, but also because audiences connect with his personality and family-centered life. Even after stepping away from Strictly, Gorka remains a major figure in television dance entertainment through judging roles, tours, and public appearances.