Strictly Come Dancing has finally returned, which is wonderful news for us, as our bank accounts took a serious hit over the summer, and now we have an excuse to say no to any expensive weekend plans.
The new season kicked off on Saturday 14 September 2024 and our eyes still hurt from all the bright lights and sequins – but on the plus side, we love a cosy night in with a glass of Prosecco as we channel our inner Craig-Revel Horwood. Everything's a 'seven' – mainly because we love shouting 'seven' at our telly screens.
One of the faces we were more than happy to see back on our screens for Strictly 2024 was dancing professional, Gorka Márquez.
But remember when we almost lost him...
Did Gorka Márquez almost quit Strictly?
Last year, Gorka opened up about potentially quitting Strictly (say it ain't so) on his one-off reality show, Gemma And Gorka: Life Behind The Lens, which he filmed alongside Gemma Atkinson and their two kiddies.
Speaking of returning to Strictly for the 2023 series, he said, 'It’s quite heart-breaking, you know, to have to leave again a few days after Gemma gives birth and not be at home.'
He told Manchester Evening News, 'In my head, it makes me think I want to quit and just be at home for the next three months, but at the same time, I need to do my job and work.'
So, no need to cha-cha-cha on over to panic stations, just yet, Strictly fans.
Who is Gorka Marquez?
Gorka is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing and the man of all our dreams.
When did Gorka join Strictly Come Dancing?
Gorka has been a Strictly pro since 2016, and has danced with the likes of Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton.
How old is Gorka Márquez?
Gorka was born on 4 September 1990, making him 34 years old.
Where is Gorka Márquez from?
Gorka is from Bilbao in Spain.
Who is Gorka Márquez partnered with for Strictly 2024?
Gorka is partnered with BBC Morning Live's Dr Punam Krishan this year.
What happened with Gorka Márquez and Nikita Kanda?
Gorka was partnered with radio DJ Nikita Kanda for Strictly 2023. Sadly, the duo were booted out of the competition three weeks in.
They found themselves in the dance off against Love Island bombshell Zara McDermott and professional Graziano di Prima, who the judges decided to save.
How tall is Gorka Márquez?
At 5ft6, he is the shortest male Strictly professional.
Who is Gorka Marquez's wife?
He actually isn't married, although he is engaged to his fiancé and the mother of his children, Gemma Atkinson.
Despite rumours that they had secretly got married in January 2023, Gorka recently wrote the following on Instagram regarding a friend's wedding pictures, '@glouiseatkinson start sorting the dress because [this] is making me want ours done.'
The pair have been engaged since February 2021.
How did Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson meet?
The pair met on Strictly in 2017; Gemma was partnered with Aljaž Skorjanec, while Gorka was partnered with Alexandra Burke, but that didn't stop Gemma and Gorka's relationship from blossoming behind the scenes. According to reports, it was 'the talk of the make-up room' during filming.
Is Gorka Marquez a dad?
Yes. He has a baby girl called Mia, who was born on 4 July 2019, and a baby son called Thiago Thomas, who was born in July 2023.
Is Gorka Marquez on Instagram?
He sure is. You can follow him at @gorka_marquez.