Strictly Come Dancing latest: Gorka Marquez announces he will not be paired up with a celebrity this year

Isobel Frodsham

22 August 2019 at 7:29 am

Katie Piper with her Strictly dance partner Gorka Marquez: PA

Strictly Come Dancing professionals Gorka Marquez has announced he will not be paired with a celebrity this year.

Marquez, 28, has been one of the main dancers for the past three series and has danced with actress Tameka Empson, 42, singer Alexandra Burke, 30, and campaigner Katie Piper, 35.

The Spanish native came in second place with Burke two years ago.

The reason for the demotion has not been revealed by Marquez, however, fans suggested the shake-up was due to the birth of his daughter Mia, who he shares with radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, 34.

Shake up: Maquez is rumoured to be replaced with Neil Jones (BBC)

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Announcing the change on Instagram, Marquez said: “For everybody that’s been asking, I can let you know that this series, I sadly won’t be partnered with a celebrity for the main series of Strictly. However, I will still be heavily involved in all of the group numbers and all things Strictly!

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For everybody that’s been asking, I can let you know that this series, I sadly won’t be partnered with a celebrity for the main series of Strictly. However, I will still be heavily involved in all of the group numbers and all things Strictly! I’m excited to see this year’s celebs and my fellow professionals dance for the Glitter Ball and I hope to be back fighting for it next year. As always, it’s gonna be a GREAT series. 🕺🏼💃
A post shared by 𝗚𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗭 (@gorka_marquez) on Aug 21, 2019 at 10:37am PDT

"I’m excited to see this year’s celebs and my fellow professionals dance for the Glitter Ball and I hope to be back fighting for it next year. As always, it’s gonna be a GREAT series.”

Former dance partner Piper wrote: “More time with beautiful Mia and [Louise]” while a fan wrote: “Nooo why? You are brilliant. I hope it’s your choice so you can spend more time with baby and mum.”

Happy family: Marquez and Gemma Atkinaon welcomed their daughter in July (Instagram/ Gorka Marquez )

Atkinson joked the change was a good move for the family, writing: "Will save me a fortune voting. Love you."

It came after Graziano di Prima, 25, confirmed he will also not be paired with a celebrity this year.

Demoted: Graziano di Prima will not be paired up for this year's competition (PA)

Writing on Instagram, he said: “Just letting all the fans know the I will not have a celeb partner this series, but don't worry… I am not going anywhere!

"You will see me every Saturday/Sunday nights in all our amazing group dances, on It Takes Two and across the series.

"We will have some amazing routines already and I can't wait for you to see them all! To my fellow pros, good luck for a magical series! Let's do this and I love you all! Graz.”

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