Few professional dancers on British television have become as recognizable as Gorka Márquez. Best known for his energetic performances on Strictly Come Dancing, the Spanish ballroom and Latin specialist built a loyal fan base through charisma, technical skill, and memorable celebrity partnerships.
Over the years, Gorka has evolved from a competitive dancer from Bilbao into one of the most talked-about personalities in entertainment television. His relationship with actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson also brought significant public attention, making them one of the best-known couples connected to the show. This article explores his early life, dance career, biggest Strictly moments, family life, and recent professional developments.
Who Is Gorka Márquez? A Short Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gorka Márquez |
| Date of Birth | September 4, 1990 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Bilbao, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Profession | Dancer, Choreographer, Television Personality |
| Years Active | 2010–present |
| Famous For | Strictly Come Dancing |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Spouse / Partner | Gemma Atkinson |
| Children | 2 |
| Source of Income | Television, Dance Tours, Live Performances, Brand Work |
| Social Media | Instagram: @gorka_marquez |
Early Life and Dance Background
Growing Up in Bilbao
Gorka Márquez was born in Bilbao, located in Spain’s Basque Country. He discovered dance at a young age and quickly showed talent in ballroom and Latin disciplines. According to multiple profiles and interviews, he began formal dance training around the age of 11 or 12 and soon started competing internationally.
Unlike many television personalities who enter entertainment through acting or reality TV, Gorka’s background was rooted in professional competition. His early years focused heavily on technical dance development, discipline, and international tournaments.
Competitive Dance Career
Before becoming a television star, Gorka represented Spain in major dance competitions. He competed in the World Latin Championships in 2010 and later reached the semi-finals of the World DanceSport Federation World Cup in 2012.
Those achievements helped establish his reputation in professional Latin dance circles. His competitive success eventually opened doors to stage productions, including the internationally known dance show Burn the Floor, where he toured globally as a lead performer.
Transition Into Television
Touring with stage productions gave Gorka broader exposure beyond the competitive dance world. His confidence on stage and natural screen presence made him an ideal fit for television dance formats.
That transition ultimately led to his biggest career breakthrough when the BBC announced him as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016. The move dramatically expanded his profile in the UK entertainment industry and introduced him to millions of viewers.
Rise to Fame on Strictly Come Dancing
Joining the BBC Hit Show
Gorka joined Strictly Come Dancing during the show’s fourteenth series in 2016. His first celebrity partner was actress Tameka Empson. Although the pair exited relatively early, viewers quickly noticed Gorka’s performance style and personality.
The following seasons helped solidify his popularity. His routines combined strong Latin technique with emotionally expressive choreography, something audiences and judges often praised.
Memorable Finalists and Partnerships
One of Gorka’s most successful seasons came in 2017 when he partnered singer Alexandra Burke. The duo reached the final and finished as runners-up after delivering several standout performances throughout the competition.
He later reached additional finals with actress Maisie Smith in 2020 and presenter Helen Skelton in 2022. Those partnerships showcased his versatility as a teacher and choreographer, helping celebrities with very different experience levels become competitive finalists.
Why Fans Connected With Him
Part of Gorka’s popularity came from his balance of intensity and warmth. On-screen, he was competitive and technically precise. Off-screen, he often appeared humorous, approachable, and family-oriented.
Fans also appreciated his chemistry with partners and fellow professionals. Social media clips, rehearsal footage, and interviews helped create a more personal connection with audiences beyond the ballroom performances themselves.
Relationship With Gemma Atkinson
How They Met
Gorka met Gemma Atkinson during the 2017 season of Strictly Come Dancing. Interestingly, they were not dance partners on the show, but their friendship developed behind the scenes before eventually becoming a relationship.
Their romance attracted major media attention because viewers had watched their connection grow naturally after the series ended. Over time, they became one of the most recognizable celebrity couples associated with the program.
Family Life Together
The couple welcomed their daughter Mia in July 2019 and later had a son named Thiago Thomas in 2023.
Despite busy careers, both Gorka and Gemma frequently share glimpses of family life through interviews and social media. Their public image has largely centered around parenting, fitness, home life, and balancing demanding entertainment careers with raising children.
Many fans have also followed their engagement journey after Gorka proposed on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
Public Image as a Celebrity Couple
Unlike some celebrity relationships that remain heavily private, Gorka and Gemma have maintained an open but relatively grounded public presence. They often discuss parenting challenges, work schedules, and family priorities in interviews.
That relatability helped strengthen their popularity in British media. Instead of relying solely on glamour or controversy, their image has generally focused on long-term commitment and family stability.
Career Beyond Strictly
Dance Tours and Stage Productions
Outside television, Gorka has remained active in live dance productions and touring shows. He has participated in multiple arena tours connected to Strictly Come Dancing and also performed in independent dance productions.
Live touring remains a significant part of his career because it allows him to return to a more performance-focused environment while maintaining direct interaction with audiences.
Work in Spain
In recent years, Gorka expanded his television work in Spain through Bailando con las Estrellas, the Spanish version of Strictly Come Dancing. Reports confirmed that judging commitments on the Spanish series affected his participation in the UK show during 2025.
This move represented an important professional step because it shifted him from contestant mentor to judging and commentary responsibilities.
Leaving Strictly Come Dancing
In 2026, reports confirmed that Gorka Márquez would officially leave Strictly Come Dancing after a decade on the show. Multiple entertainment outlets reported that he described it as the right time to “hang up” his dance shoes after balancing commitments in both the UK and Spain.
His departure marked the end of a major chapter in his career, especially considering how strongly audiences associated him with the BBC series.
Gorka Márquez’s Influence and Popularity
A Recognizable Strictly Star
Among the professional dancers who appeared on Strictly, Gorka became one of the most commercially recognizable names. His television exposure, social media presence, and public relationship all contributed to that visibility.
He also benefited from longevity. Remaining part of the franchise for around ten years allowed audiences to watch his personal and professional growth over time.
Social Media and Fan Engagement
Gorka maintains an active online presence where he shares dance content, family updates, travel moments, and fitness-related posts. His social platforms have helped keep fans connected even outside television seasons.
That direct engagement became increasingly important as modern entertainment personalities rely heavily on digital communities to maintain relevance between TV appearances.
Lasting Legacy in Dance Television
Even after leaving the main Strictly lineup, Gorka’s impact on the program remains significant. He helped produce several memorable finals, popular routines, and emotionally driven performances that became fan favorites.
His story also reflects how dance professionals can successfully transition into broader entertainment careers while maintaining credibility within the dance industry itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is Gorka Márquez?
A: Gorka Márquez was born on September 4, 1990. As of 2026, he is 35 years old. 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 officially married as of recent public reports. The couple has been together since meeting during the 2017 season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Q: Why did Gorka Márquez leave Strictly Come Dancing?
A: Reports in 2026 stated that Gorka decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing after balancing commitments with the Spanish version of the show, Bailando con las Estrellas. He described it as the right moment to move on after ten years.
Q: Does Gorka Márquez have children?
A: Yes. Gorka and Gemma Atkinson have two children together: a daughter named Mia and a son named Thiago Thomas.
Q: What is Gorka Márquez famous for?
A: Gorka Márquez is best known for being a professional dancer on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing. He gained recognition for his ballroom and Latin choreography, celebrity partnerships, and television appearances.
Conclusion
Gorka Márquez built an impressive career by combining elite dance training with television charisma and genuine audience connection. From competitive ballroom events in Spain to becoming one of the most recognizable faces on Strictly Come Dancing, his journey reflects years of dedication and adaptability.
Beyond the dance floor, his relationship with Gemma Atkinson and their growing family added another dimension to his public image, helping fans connect with him on a more personal level. Even as he moves into new projects and international television roles, Gorka remains closely associated with some of the most memorable moments in modern dance entertainment. Read more: Ana Obregón: Career, Family, and Life Beyond Television
