Strictly's Gorka Márquez explains why he's not doing the tour

Helen Skelton will be paired with Kai Widdrington on the tour.

By Stephanie Chase

13 Jan 2023

BBC

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez has addressed why he won't be appearing on the BBC show's upcoming live tour.

Responding to questions from fans on Instagram on Thursday night, Gorka explained that he won't be on the tour in order to spend more time with partner Gemma Atkinson and their daughter Mia.

Gorka wrote (via Metro): "After the Strictly series I always like to take some down time to spend quality time with Gem and Mia.

Karwai TangGetty Images

"I am grateful for the work but I also think spending time with family is important. Time flys and we won’t get these memories back."

Gorka also gave a shout out to his partner from last series Helen Skelton, who will be paired with Kai Widdrington on the tour.

"Please go and watch Strictly Come Dancing Live, [it’s] going to be amazing!! And make sure you VOTE for Helen and Kai." he wrote.

Last month on Instagram Gorka reassured fans that he wasn't leaving the show after rumours spread that he was done. Replying to a fan who said: “Can’t believe you’ve left Strictly,” Gorka wrote: “Don’t believe it 😉”

The dancer also recently addressed the debate about his facial expressions when Hamza and Jowita were announced as champions, with several viewers asserting that he looked "fuming" at the result.

"I wasn't fuming, but I wanted Helen to finish the season with the cherry on top," he said in an interview on BBC Radio 5. "But I was very happy for Hamza and Jowita – they've been amazing.

"Whoever won, it was amazing because the three couples have been incredible, but we care and we love our job," he continued.

Strictly Come Dancing's returns on Christmas Day (December 27) on BBC One, while spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two will air on weeknights next year on BBC Two. Both shows also stream on BBC iPlayer.

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