Following Kevin Clifton’s shock departure from Strictly Come Dancing after seven years, show bosses are reportedly lining up Gorka Marquez to make a comeback after he was dropped from the main line-up of the 2019 series.
Although he still took part in group dances and helped behind the scenes with choreography, the Spanish professional dancer, whose girlfriend Gemma Atkinson gave birth to their daughter Mia in July, wasn’t given a celebrity partner during last year’s series.
But, according to new reports, he’s set to replace Kevin on the upcoming 18th series of the show.
A source told The Sun, “Gorka made no secret of his annoyance about being dropped.
"He knows he’s popular with viewers and had his nose put out of joint.
“Gorka has since been told he’ll be coming back into the fold and he’s elated. Bosses knew he was upset by their decision and the public made their feelings clear.”
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Gorka broke the news he was stepping back from a main role in August last year, telling fans, “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.”
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The BBC confirmed which Strictly professionals are returning this year last week after Kevin Clifton announced he was quitting the show.
Announcing the news in an emotional statement, Kevin told fans, "To the entire Strictly family, the past 7 years have been some of the most wonderful years of my life.
"I am grateful to the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing for giving me the opportunity to have been a part of something truly special.
“Since first being called ‘Kevin From Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 I have experienced the highs of 5 finals, winning a Guinness World record on It Takes Two, the Strictly Arena tour glitterball and then the ultimate of winning the 2018 series with Stacey Dooley.
“After finishing last series with the Children In Need trophy and the Christmas Special I want to leave on a high and have therefore decided the time has come to move on and focus on other areas of my life and career."