Gorka Marquez Steps Back from Strictly Come Dancing
Gorka Marquez, a well-known figure on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, has made the decision to spend more time at home after announcing his departure from the popular dance competition. The 35-year-old dancer, who has been a part of the show for 10 years, is now stepping away as the fifth star to leave ahead of the new series later this year.
Gorka’s journey on the show was not just about dancing; it also included a personal milestone. He met his future wife, Gemma Atkinson, while working on the program in 2017. Their relationship blossomed behind the scenes, and the couple eventually tied the knot. Together, they have two children, Mia, who is six years old, and Thiago, who is three.
A Stunning Home in Rural Manchester
The couple currently resides in a beautiful home located in rural Manchester. This spacious residence features a variety of amenities that cater to their lifestyle. The house includes a state-of-the-art gym, which is perfect for their fitness routines. Additionally, there is a sprawling garden and a playroom designed for their children.
Gemma has often compared their home to a cozy setting reminiscent of the TV show Emmerdale. She has shared glimpses of their living space with fans through social media, but also gave an exclusive look inside during their show Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens.
A Safe Space for Family
Gemma has described her home as a sanctuary where she can feel safe and comfortable. She mentioned that she loves being at home and often prefers staying in rather than going out. For her, the home is a place where she can be herself, without any pressure or expectations.
“It’s where I can shut the door, lock everyone out and just have my family around,” she said. This sentiment reflects the importance of family in their lives, especially with two young children.
Renovations and Challenges
In 2024, Gemma revealed that renovations had begun on their property to add an extension. However, the process was not without its challenges. She shared with fans that the experience with the builders was difficult, leading them to seek out multiple companies before finding the right one.
Despite the initial hiccups, the couple remains committed to creating a comfortable living environment for their family. They have taken steps to ensure that future projects are handled smoothly.
The Playroom and Gym
While the house appears to be well-kept, Gemma admitted that the playroom for their children is a bit of a mess. It is filled with toys and other items that reflect the lively nature of their children. However, she finds this area to be her favorite, knowing that it will soon transform into a teenager’s room.
Gemma also highlighted the importance of their home gym, which is equipped with high-quality exercise equipment. One of their biggest investments was an eight-person sauna and ice bath combo, which they use regularly for recovery.
“I said ‘do we really need one?’ but now we’ve been able to do it three or four times a week, the difference it makes when you’re training for inflammation levels is fantastic,” she said.
A Love Story on and Off the Dance Floor
Gemma and Gorka first met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, although they were not paired together. Gemma danced with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Gorka was paired with Alexandra Burke. Both couples reached the final, but their romance began to blossom off the dance floor.
They announced their relationship on Valentine’s Day 2018 and eventually made it to the Strictly dancefloor during the 2019 Christmas special. Their daughter Mia was born in July 2019, and they welcomed their son Thiago in July 2023.
Gemma shared a humorous anecdote about waiting for Gorka to propose. She mentioned that until then, she was the only one in the family without the last name Marquez. “I said to him, ‘You do know now we need to get married otherwise I’m not part of the family.’” Gorka responded with a light-hearted “Yeah we have time, it’s OK.”
