Gorka Marquez shares crying selfie after Strictly Come Dancing return as he feels 'sadness and guilt

Gorka Marquez
-Credit: (Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)


Gorka Marquez has been left in tears as he faces leaving his family behind for his role on Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer was seen back on screens over the weekend as the BBC One dance contest returned for its 2024 series.

The 22nd series kicked off on Saturday night (September 14) with the pre-recorded launch show in which fans were told the celebrity and professional dancer pairings for the first time.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were back in the iconic ballroom as they welcomed the class of 2024 for the first time, along with the show's knowledgeable judges, Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers distracted as famous face support Toyah Wilcox in studio audience

The launch show featured five epic performances including a fun, fancy footwork filled routine from the pros - and cameos from the wider Strictly family - encouraging everyone to get aboard the Strictly Bus.

But fans were eagerly awaiting the reveal of the couples for Strictly 20th anniversary year and Gorka, who is now the longest-serving male professional dancer on the programme, was revealed to have been paired with Dr Punam Krishan, a practising GP who is also a broadcaster, being the resident GP on BBC Morning Live and BBC Radio Scotland.

Dr Punam is based in Glasgow which means Gorka will be leaving Greater Manchester behind, where he lives with fiancee Gemma Atkinson and their two children - for spending his weekdays in Scotland before heading back down to London for the live shows over the weekend.

And while Gorka is thrilled to be back on Strictly and to be partnered with Dr Punam, the 34-year-old has also shared the reality behind being away from his family for his dream career. Taking to Instagram, he shared a selfie in which tears could be seen filling his eyes and falling down his cheeks.

Gorka and Dr Punam will be competing in this year's Strictly -Credit:PA
Gorka and Dr Punam will be competing in this year's Strictly -Credit:PA

He also posted a lengthy typed-out message, which read: "Sometimes I feel like on here all we share are happy things, or things that can make others go, 'wow, look at him/her... How amazing'. Maybe scared to show other side of us, more vulnerable, but that is part of us. So... here is me, having a moment of those that sometimes we hide or keep for ourselves, especially being a man.

"I feel like today should be one of those days where everyone might think all is happiness, joy, excitement for all what is about to start with Strictly... And YES it is. But at the same time I get a feeling of sadness, guilt, for going away for however long it is. A feeling of letting them down for not being there, a sense of failure to them..."

The dad-of-two emotionally continued: "But at the same time I know I do it for them and know how much joy it brings them and I know how excited and proud they are when they watch me. And yes it makes it all worth it but I still feel like this at times... I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and thanks for letting me share it with you all."

Gorka got honest with his fans and followers -Credit:Gorka Marquez Instagram
Gorka got honest with his fans and followers -Credit:Gorka Marquez Instagram

Captioning the post, Gorka wrote: "Just one of those moments," and Gemma was quick to respond. The Hits Radio host commented: "I'm just gutted you’ve packed all your decent hoodies! wtf am I supposed to wear? [crying laughing emoji]. We Love you and cannot wait to see you do your thing! Mia’s already given me “Saturday nights instructions. You keep that record of the most 10s going with Dr Punam! We’ll be right here at the finish line!"

Gorka's Strictly pals were also showing him love and support. Karen Hauer replied: "They are and will always be proud of you just the way we are proud of you Chamo." Motsi Mabuse wrote: "100…… I get you so so much !!! We survive." Lauren Oakley posted: "They will be SO proud of you. You’re doing amazingly. Lots of love." Jowita Przystal replied: "hey are proud of you."

Nancy Xu shared: "We are all humans, emotions are big part within us, you are doing something amazing and they will be so proud of , just keep going George!!! Like you said, it will all WORTH IT. And don't forget, we are here for each other." Oti Mabuse added: "Oh Gorka. It’s so hard buddy but you are a great dad they have a super system with mum. And @glouiseatkinson it’s the best mum ever."