GEMMA ATKINSON HITS OUT AFTER STRICTLY FANS BLAME HER FOR GORKA MARQUEZ'S EXIT

Gemma Atkinson has hit back at trolls who claimed she was the reason behind Gorka Márquez's exit from Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer recently announced he will not be returning for the 2026 series, after 10 years on the BBC programme.

Gorka is the fifth professional to confirm his departure, following exits from Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas.

Discussing the decision on his and Gemma's Lost In Translation podcast, the 35-year-old described it as "bittersweet", adding: "We all have cycles" and that he will continue to watch the show.

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In response, Gemma, 41, took the opportunity to shut down claims that she had anything to do with his exit.

"Well, it wasn't my decision, which I'd like to point out for everyone who's messaged me on Instagram, saying, 'You've finally got what you want now'. Absolutely not," she said.

Defending her, Gorka chimed in: "She was happy when I did Strictly because she has her own space."

"It was a nice break for me when he was doing it," the actress clarified, before adding: "10 years is a good round number."

The announcement came after Gorka took a break from the show last year to prioritise his judging duties on the Spanish version. He went on to confirm that he will still be a part of the Strictly: The Professionals tour.

Reflecting on his time on the show, the dancer expressed gratitude for the "many things" he had learned and the people he had met along the way - including Gemma.

The couple’s romance began after the 2017 series, where he was partnered with Alexandra Burke while Gemma competed alongside Aljaž Škorjanec.

Both dancing duos made it to the final, which was won by Joe McFadden and Katya Jones.

Two years later, Gemma and Gorka welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Mia, followed by their son Thiago, who turns three in July.

The pair announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day in 2021, but are yet to tie the knot.

In previous episodes of their podcast, they revealed they have considered marrying either in Gorka's home country of Spain or in the UK.

Last week, however, the pair appeared to confirm that walking down the aisle was not a priority.

Gemma joked there was "no chance" they would tie the knot, pointing out that they do not always see eye to eye.

Unfazed, Gorka added: "I don't think I want to get married," before saying he believes they are "fine" as they are.

"Everyone I know who has got married has ended up getting divorced, apart from my sister," Gemma continued.

2026-05-06T14:28:37Z