A Strictly Come Dancing professional has revealed he is ‘relieved’ to be missing this year’s series of the scandal-hit show.
The full line-up for the 2025 season of the BBC dance competition has been confirmed as the series officially airs on September 20.
This year fans can expect to see some star-studded names, including Vicky Pattison, Dani Dyer, Karen Carney and Stefan Dennis to name a few.
There have also been two new additions to the professional dancer family with Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
However, for Gorka Marquez, who confirmed earlier this month that he won’t be returning as a competitor this year, it appears the Spanish dancer is pleased to be avoiding the drama that has plagued the series in recent years.
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A source close to him reportedly told The Sun: ‘Gorka loves Strictly and is so proud to be one of the longest-serving pros, but has said he’ll be relieved not to be there during another fraught series while the show and its cast are accused of toxic behaviour.
‘He’s very excited to have been part of the group dances, which were pre-recorded, and loves everyone on the show.
‘But this is the third series where they face questions about bullying, chaperones and everything else.
‘He told friends he can’t deny the timing has worked out well and he’s looking forward to spreading his wings on Spanish Strictly.’
The Spanish dancer, 34, has been competing in the BBC show since 2016. Often a fan favourite, he has placed as a runner up on three separate occasions.
Breaking the news that he will not be able to participate in this year’s series, Gorka told fans on Instagram: ‘I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.
‘Due to the filming dates, this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly.’
However, he added that he would be back for some dance numbers towards the end of the series.
‘But I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the Show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES.’
This comes after eagle-eyed observers spotted what appears to be a new single judges desk compared to the podiums that were introduced during Covid.
Commenting on Reddit, thomcat2000 wrote: ‘Honestly I’m glad it’s back to being a desk I thought the separate podiums made them look like game show contestants…’
Nimjask similarly said: ‘Hopefully they also show the judges scoring two at a time again as well. It used to be hilarious seeing Len or Darcey’s reactions to Craig’s score sometimes, so maybe we’ll get that with Motsi too.’
Frankiekowalski also wrote: ‘Looove this change! Can’t wait to see two judges scoring in one frame again, hopefully.’
However, not all Strictly fans appeared to be happy with the apparent change. In fact, some people expressed their disappointment at seeing the podiums go.
Also writing on Reddit, Responsible_Line_652 said: ‘WHAT a shame! I loved the podiums…’
Another, Major-Feed5214, also claimed that the judges will now look like ‘sardines’ squished together.
Metro has contacted Gorka and BBC for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing will begin on BBC on September 20.
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