Gorka Márquez has become one of the most beloved professional dancers on British television, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent, charismatic personality, and heartwarming personal story. From his roots in Spain to becoming a household name in the UK through BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Gorka’s journey represents a remarkable tale of passion, dedication, and cross-cultural success in the world of professional dance.
Early Life and Spanish Beginnings
Gorka Márquez was born on September 4, 1990, in Bilbao, Spain, in the heart of the Basque Country. Growing up in this culturally rich region of northern Spain, Gorka was exposed to various forms of artistic expression from an early age. The Basque Country’s strong traditions in music and dance would play a formative role in shaping his future career path.
His introduction to dance came at the age of 11, which is relatively late by professional dancing standards. Unlike many professional dancers who begin training in early childhood, Gorka discovered his passion for dance as a pre-teenager. This late start would require exceptional dedication and natural talent to catch up with peers who had been training since they could walk.
The cultural environment of Bilbao, with its blend of traditional Basque culture and modern European influences, provided a unique backdrop for Gorka’s artistic development. His family, while not professionally involved in dance, supported his newfound passion, recognizing the joy and discipline it brought to their son’s life. This familial support would prove crucial as Gorka pursued increasingly serious training.
Dance Training and Professional Development
Once Gorka discovered his love for dance, he threw himself into training with remarkable intensity. He began studying various dance styles, but it was Latin and ballroom dancing that truly captured his imagination. The precision, passion, and partnership required in these dance forms resonated with his personality and natural abilities.
His formal training took place at various dance schools in Spain, where he studied under respected instructors who recognized his potential. Gorka’s dedication to his craft was evident in his willingness to train for hours daily, often sacrificing typical teenage activities to perfect his technique. This period of intense training laid the foundation for his future success.
As he progressed, Gorka began competing in national and international dance competitions. These early competitive experiences were crucial in developing not just his technical skills but also his performance quality and ability to connect with audiences. The competitive dance circuit in Europe is highly demanding, and success requires not just technical proficiency but also artistry, stamina, and mental fortitude.
International Dance Career
Gorka’s talent soon took him beyond Spain’s borders. He began competing internationally, representing Spain in various championships and gaining recognition in the global dance community. His partnership work became particularly noted, as he demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect with partners and bring out their best qualities on the dance floor.
The international competitive circuit exposed Gorka to different styles and approaches to dance from around the world. This exposure broadened his artistic palette and helped him develop the versatility that would later serve him well in his television career. He competed in major championships across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, building a reputation as a formidable competitor.
His success in competitions led to opportunities to perform in professional dance shows and tours. These experiences taught him valuable lessons about entertaining audiences beyond the technical aspects of competitive dance. Learning to engage with larger audiences and maintain energy throughout long performances would prove invaluable for his future television career.
Arrival in the United Kingdom
Gorka’s move to the United Kingdom marked a significant turning point in his career. Like many international dancers, he was drawn to the UK’s vibrant dance scene and the opportunities it presented. London, in particular, offered a hub for professional dancers with its numerous studios, shows, and television productions.
Adapting to life in a new country presented challenges beyond just the professional aspects. Learning English to a professional level, understanding British culture, and building a new network of contacts all required dedication and perseverance. Gorka approached these challenges with the same determination he brought to his dancing.
His early years in the UK involved teaching at dance studios, performing in various shows, and continuing to compete. These experiences helped him establish himself in the British dance community and improve his English language skills. The multicultural nature of London’s dance scene provided a welcoming environment for international artists like Gorka.
Joining Strictly Come Dancing
In 2016, Gorka’s career reached new heights when he was selected to join the cast of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. This appointment represented a major achievement, as Strictly is one of the most prestigious and popular dance shows in the world. The selection process for Strictly professionals is highly competitive, with only the best dancers from around the globe being chosen.
His debut season saw him paired with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson. While they were eliminated in week four, Gorka’s charm, teaching ability, and dancing skills made an immediate impression on both the judges and the viewing public. His warm personality and supportive approach to coaching his celebrity partner demonstrated qualities that would make him a fan favorite.
The transition from competitive dancing to television required adapting his skills for a new medium. Television dancing demands not just technical excellence but also the ability to teach complex movements to non-dancers, create entertaining routines that work for television, and maintain energy and personality throughout long rehearsal days and live performances.
Notable Strictly Partnerships
Throughout his years on Strictly Come Dancing, Gorka has been paired with various celebrities, each partnership bringing unique challenges and rewards. His partnership with singer Alexandra Burke in 2017 was particularly successful, with the pair reaching the final and finishing as runners-up. Their chemistry and Alexandra’s natural ability allowed Gorka to choreograph increasingly complex and spectacular routines.
In 2018, Gorka was paired with television presenter Katie Piper, who had survived an acid attack. This partnership showcased Gorka’s sensitivity and ability to build confidence in his partners beyond just teaching dance steps. Their journey together resonated with viewers and demonstrated the transformative power of dance.
Other notable partnerships have included actress Maisie Smith in 2020, with whom he reached another final, and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson in 2017. Each partnership has demonstrated Gorka’s versatility as a teacher and choreographer, adapting his approach to suit each celebrity’s strengths and personality while pushing them to achieve their best.
Personal Life and Relationship with Gemma Atkinson
One of the most captivating aspects of Gorka’s story has been his relationship with Gemma Atkinson, whom he met during the 2017 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Although they weren’t partnered together on the show (Gemma was paired with Aljaž Škorjanec), they formed a connection during the series that blossomed into romance after the show ended.
Their relationship has been closely followed by fans and media alike, representing a real-life Strictly romance that captured public imagination. In February 2019, they announced they were expecting their first child, and their daughter Mia was born in July 2019. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been shared with fans through social media and interviews, showing a different side to the professional dancer.
In 2021, Gorka proposed to Gemma on Valentine’s Day, and they became engaged. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support, with Gemma often seen cheering Gorka on during Strictly performances, and Gorka supporting Gemma’s various professional endeavors. In 2023, they welcomed their second child, son Thiago, further expanding their family.
Dancing Style and Choreographic Approach
Gorka’s dancing style is characterized by its passion, precision, and musicality. His Latin dance performances are particularly noted for their intensity and authentic Latin flavor, drawing on his Spanish heritage. In ballroom dances, he combines technical excellence with emotional storytelling, creating performances that resonate with audiences beyond just the technical aspects.
As a choreographer, Gorka has shown remarkable creativity in adapting complex professional routines for celebrity partners with varying abilities. His choreography often includes innovative lifts and tricks while ensuring they’re achievable for his partners. He has a talent for identifying each celebrity’s strengths and creating routines that showcase these while minimizing weaknesses.
His teaching methodology emphasizes building confidence alongside technical skills. Many of his celebrity partners have spoken about how he creates a supportive, encouraging environment in rehearsals while still pushing them to achieve their best. This balance between being demanding and supportive has been key to his success as a professional partner.
Beyond Strictly: Other Professional Ventures
While Strictly Come Dancing remains Gorka’s primary platform, he has expanded his professional activities beyond the show. He regularly performs in the Strictly Come Dancing live tours, which travel across the UK and allow fans to see their favorite professionals and celebrities perform live. These tours have helped him build an even stronger connection with fans.
Gorka has also been involved in various dance workshops and masterclasses, sharing his expertise with aspiring dancers. These teaching opportunities allow him to give back to the dance community and inspire the next generation of dancers. His workshops often sell out quickly, demonstrating his popularity and respected status in the dance world.
Additionally, he has appeared on various television programs beyond Strictly, including morning shows, documentaries about dance, and special performances for charity events. These appearances have helped establish him as a media personality in his own right, not just as a dancer but as someone who can engage audiences in various formats.
Social Media Presence and Fan Engagement
In the modern entertainment landscape, Gorka has embraced social media as a way to connect with fans and share aspects of his life beyond the dance floor. His Instagram account, in particular, has become a popular destination for fans seeking behind-the-scenes glimpses of Strictly, family life, and his various professional activities.
His social media content strikes a balance between professional updates and personal moments. He shares training videos, performance clips, and promotional content while also posting about family life, travels, and everyday moments. This authentic approach has helped him build a strong, engaged following who feel connected to him as a person, not just as a performer.
The interaction with fans through social media has become an important part of his public persona. He regularly responds to fan comments, shares fan art, and acknowledges the support he receives. This accessibility and appreciation for his fanbase have contributed to his popularity and created a loyal community of supporters.
Physical Fitness and Training Regimen
Maintaining the physical condition required for professional dancing at the highest level demands extraordinary dedication to fitness and health. Gorka’s training regimen extends far beyond dance rehearsals, incorporating strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility work to maintain peak physical condition.
His approach to fitness has evolved over the years, adapting to the demands of television dancing which can be even more physically demanding than competitive dancing due to the long hours and repetitive rehearsals. He has spoken about the importance of injury prevention and the various techniques he uses to maintain his body, including physiotherapy, massage, and proper nutrition.
The physical demands of lifting celebrity partners who may not have dance training requires particular attention to strength and technique. Gorka has developed specific training routines to ensure he can safely perform complex lifts and support his partners throughout long rehearsal days and performances. This dedication to physical preparation has allowed him to maintain a long career without major injuries.
Cultural Ambassador and Spanish Heritage
As one of the few Spanish professionals on Strictly Come Dancing, Gorka has become something of a cultural ambassador, bringing elements of Spanish dance and culture to British audiences. His performances often include nods to his heritage, whether through music selection, choreographic elements, or costume choices.
He has spoken proudly about representing Spain on such a prominent platform and the responsibility he feels to showcase the best of Spanish culture. This cultural exchange goes both ways, as he has also embraced British culture while maintaining his Spanish identity, creating a unique blend that resonates with diverse audiences.
His success has inspired other Spanish and international dancers to pursue opportunities in the UK, showing that language and cultural barriers can be overcome with talent and determination. He has become a role model for international artists looking to build careers outside their home countries.
Impact on Strictly Come Dancing
Since joining the show, Gorka has become an integral part of Strictly Come Dancing’s success. His partnerships have produced memorable moments, from spectacular performances to emotional journeys that have resonated with viewers. His ability to bring out the best in his celebrity partners while maintaining his own star quality has made him invaluable to the show.
His presence has also contributed to the show’s diversity, both in terms of international representation and in the styles of dance and choreography presented. His authentic Latin style has added flavor to the competition, while his warm personality has contributed to the show’s family-friendly appeal.
The romantic storyline with Gemma Atkinson has added another dimension to his impact on the show, creating a real-life fairy tale that has engaged viewers beyond just the dancing. This personal element has shown that Strictly can create lasting connections beyond the dance floor.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gorka has received various accolades and recognition for his contributions to dance and entertainment. While Strictly Come Dancing doesn’t award individual honors to professionals, his successful partnerships and memorable routines have earned critical acclaim and fan appreciation.
His choreography has been particularly praised, with many of his routines being highlighted as among the best in Strictly history. Dance critics have noted his ability to create routines that are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging, a combination that’s essential for successful television dancing.
Beyond formal awards, the recognition from peers in the dance community and the loyalty of his fanbase represent perhaps the most meaningful acknowledgments of his success. His reputation as both an exceptional dancer and a genuinely nice person has made him respected throughout the industry.
Future Aspirations and Projects
Looking ahead, Gorka has expressed various aspirations for his career beyond Strictly Come Dancing. While he remains committed to the show that made him a household name, he has also spoken about desires to explore other aspects of dance and entertainment. These might include choreographing for other productions, developing his own dance shows, or expanding his teaching activities.
His growing family has also influenced his future planning, with considerations about balancing career ambitions with family life. He has spoken about the importance of being present for his children while maintaining his professional activities, a balance many working parents can relate to. There’s also potential for expanding his media presence beyond dance-related programming. His natural charisma and improved English skills have opened possibilities for broader television work, though dance remains his primary passion and focus.
FAQs
How old is Gorka Márquez and where is he from?
Gorka was born on 4 September 1990 in Bilbao, Spain. As of 2025, he is 35 years old. He grew up in Spain and trained as a dancer from a young age, specializing in Latin and ballroom dance styles before moving into international competitions and later television.
What is Gorka Márquez known for on Strictly Come Dancing?
On Strictly, Gorka is known for his creative choreography, his dynamic Latin routines, and his ability to bring out the best in his celebrity partners. Over the years, he has been paired with high-profile contestants and has reached the finals, winning the admiration of both judges and audiences. His performances often trend on YouTube and social media due to their flair and entertainment value.
Has Gorka Márquez ever won Strictly Come Dancing?
As of 2025, Gorka has not yet lifted the Strictly Glitterball Trophy, despite reaching the final three times (2017, 2020, 2022). Fans often consider him “one of the best pros never to win,” and there is always speculation each season about whether he will finally secure a victory.
What is Gorka Márquez’s relationship with Gemma Atkinson like?
Gorka and Gemma are widely regarded as one of Strictly’s most successful “love stories.” They co-host a popular podcast called “The Overshare with Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Márquez”, where they discuss relationships, parenting, and everyday life. Fans enjoy their candid, humorous dynamic and supportive partnership.
In Summary
Gorka Márquez’s journey from a young boy discovering dance in Bilbao to becoming one of Britain’s most beloved television dancers is a testament to talent, hard work, and the power of following one’s passion. His success on Strictly Come Dancing has made him a household name, but it’s his personality, teaching ability, and genuine warmth that have made him a fan favorite.
His story represents more than just individual success; it’s about cultural exchange, the universal language of dance, and the ability of art to bring people together across national boundaries. Through his performances, teaching, and public persona, Gorka has shown that dance can be both highly skilled and accessible, both passionate and family-friendly.
As he continues his career, balancing professional success with family life, Gorka Márquez remains an inspiring figure in the dance world. His journey reminds us that with dedication, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, it’s possible to build a successful career while staying true to one’s roots and values. Whether teaching celebrities to dance, performing for millions on television, or simply being a devoted father and partner, Gorka continues to bring joy and inspiration to audiences across the UK and beyond.
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