BBC Strictly Come Dancing pro 'confirmed' for new series by famous partner

A BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer may have been 'accidentally confirmed' for the new series by their famous partner. It's rumoured that the pro from the popular dancing show will be back for the next series, with their fiancee allegedly "accidentally confirming" the news.

Gorka Marquez, 33, who has been part of the BBC show since 2016, recently hinted that he has no plans to leave. His fiancee Gemma Atkinson, 39 - whom he met on Strictly a year after he joined - has reportedly hinted at his return.

Reports suggest that the actress confirmed his return whilst discussing childcare arrangements. Gemma and her fiance share two children, Mia, four, and eight-month-old Thiago.

Gemma is believed to have "accidentally confirmed" in a now-deleted social media post that Gorka will be returning to Strictly later this year. According to the Daily Mail, she wrote: "Depending on Gorka's partner and whether he has a partner, depending on where they're based, he doesn't know where he is. All the childcare lands on my family because obviously all his family are in Spain."

This isn't the first time Gemma has spoken about juggling childcare amidst her and Gorka's busy careers, which recently saw him return to his native Spain for work. As previously reported, radio host Gemma once said: "I'm really fortunate that my mum and my stepdad are retired, and they live [close to our home in Manchester]," reports the Mirror.

Gorka's colleagues Luba Mushtuk, 34, and Jowita Przysta, 29, hinted on BBC Breakfast just last week that they were still in the dark about their return for the upcoming series of Strictly, set to kick off in September. Jowita revealed: "Hopefully we're back - we don't know yet. You will need to watch to find out."

Luba added: "Fingers crossed!"

The BBC has confirmed to the Mirror that the professional dancers for the next instalment of Strictly will be unveiled "in due course". A spokesperson said on Monday: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."

Rumours are already swirling about the celebrity contestants for the forthcoming series. Names like actor Hannah Waddingham, ex-footballer Jill Scott and comedian Alan Carr have surfaced as possible participants.

Other celebs tipped to hit the dance floor include singer Toyah Willcox, chef Gino D'Acampo, documentary maker Louis Theroux, presenter Sophie Morgan and actor Vicky McClure. The official roster, however, is expected to be released closer to the show's premiere.

The latest series saw former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola clinch the trophy. West End sensation Layton Williams and EastEnders' Bobby Brazier also made it to the final, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and Dianne Buswell respectively.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.