Who is Gorka Márquez? Gorka Márquez is a Spanish professional dancer who has dazzled audiences with his incredible talent and charisma. Born on September 4, 1990, in Bilbao, Spain, Gorka began dancing at the age of 12 and quickly rose to prominence. He is best known for his appearances on the British dance show Strictly Come Dancing, where he has partnered with various celebrities and reached the finals multiple times. Beyond the dance floor, Gorka is a devoted family man, engaged to British actress Gemma Atkinson, with whom he shares two children. His journey from a young dancer in Spain to a beloved TV personality in the UK is truly inspiring.
Key Takeaways:
- Gorka Márquez's journey from a young dancer to a beloved "Strictly Come Dancing" pro showcases his resilience and passion for dance, earning him a special place in fans' hearts.
- Gorka's personal and professional life, including his engagement to Gemma Atkinson and his impressive dance achievements, have made him a cherished figure in the world of dance and entertainment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gorka Márquez's journey in dance began at a young age, setting the stage for his future success.
- Early Life: Gorka Márquez started dancing at 12, sparking his lifelong passion for dance.
- World Championships: In 2010, he represented Spain at the World Latin Championships, showcasing his talent on an international stage.
- WDSF World Cup: Reaching the semi-finals of the 2012 World DanceSport Federation World Cup, he proved his prowess in competitive dance.
- Burn the Floor: In 2014, he joined the touring live dance show Burn the Floor, performing globally and honing his skills.
Strictly Come Dancing Journey
Gorka's fame skyrocketed with his participation in the popular British dance show Strictly Come Dancing.
- Strictly Come Dancing: He joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, partnering with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson.
- First Series: Despite being eliminated in week three, this marked the start of his successful run on the show.
- Second Series: In 2017, he partnered with Alexandra Burke, reaching the final and finishing as joint runners-up.
- Third Series: In 2018, he danced with Katie Piper, but they were eliminated in week four.
- Demotion: In 2019, he was demoted from the main professional line-up but continued participating in group dances.
- Return to Strictly: In 2020, he returned as a professional dancer, reaching the final with Maisie Smith.
- Fourth Series: In 2021, he partnered with Katie McGlynn, but they were eliminated in week three.
- Fifth Series: In 2022, he danced with Helen Skelton, reaching the final and finishing as runners-up.
- Sixth Series: In 2023, he partnered with Nikita Kanda, but they were eliminated in week three.
Dance Styles and Achievements
Gorka has showcased a variety of dance styles on Strictly Come Dancing, earning high scores and accolades.
- Dance Styles: He has performed American Smooth, Argentine Tango, Cha-Cha-Cha, Charleston, Couple's Choice, Foxtrot, Jive, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, and Showdance.
- Highest Scores: Some of his highest scores include 40 for American Smooth with Alexandra Burke, 40 for Salsa with Helen Skelton, and 40 for Couple's Choice with Maisie Smith.
- Partners: His notable partners include Tameka Empson, Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, Helen Skelton, and Nikita Kanda.
- Christmas Specials: He has participated in several Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Specials, including one with his partner Gemma in 2019 and another with Keisha Buchanan in 2023.
Personal Life and Relationships
Beyond the dance floor, Gorka's personal life has also captured public interest.
- Engagement: Gorka got engaged to British actress Gemma Atkinson on Valentine's Day in 2021.
- Children: They have two children together, Mia and Thiago.
- Height: Standing at 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters) tall, he is one of the shorter male professionals on the show.
- Age: Born on September 4, 1990, he celebrated his 34th birthday in 2024.
- Family Background: Originally from Bilbao, Spain, he now calls Manchester home with his family.
- Previous Engagement: Before Gemma, he was engaged to Lauren Sheridan, another professional dancer, but they split in autumn 2016.
Career Highlights and Media Presence
Gorka's career is marked by significant achievements and a strong media presence.
- Career Achievements: Outside of competitions, he took a lead role in Burn The Floor and has enjoyed participating in various shows.
- Reality TV Show: He and Gemma have their own reality TV show titled Gemma & Gorka: Life Behind the Lens.
- Dance Tour: In August 2023, he announced he would be teaching and performing with Karen Hauer at Donahey's 2024 Dancing with The Stars Weekends.
- Speak Easy: Gorka and Karen Hauer launched Speak Easy in the West End in 2024, showcasing his versatility.
- Social Media Presence: He often shares happy family updates on social media, including teaching his children to speak Spanish.
- Teaching Skills: Known for his patience and dedication, he has been involved in various teaching roles, helping aspiring dancers improve their skills.
- Philanthropy: While not extensively documented, he has likely been involved in various charitable activities, given his popularity and influence.
Fan Engagement and Influence
Gorka's charm and talent have made him a fan favorite, influencing dance culture and engaging audiences.
- Fan Engagement: Fans adore him for his charming personality and exceptional dance skills, making him a favorite among Strictly Come Dancing audiences.
- Media Appearances: Beyond Strictly Come Dancing, he has appeared on various media platforms, including interviews and talk shows.
- Injury and Recovery: In 2017, he suffered an assault in Blackpool, which left him with two broken teeth, highlighting his resilience.
- Career Milestones: Representing Spain at international competitions and performing with renowned dance companies have been significant milestones.
- Influence on Dance Culture: As a professional dancer, he has contributed to the evolution of dance culture by introducing new styles and techniques.
- Collaborations: His collaborations with other dancers and choreographers have led to innovative and captivating performances.
- Fan Favorite: Often referred to as a fan favorite, he is loved for his charisma, dedication, and consistent high performance standards.
Romantic Relationship and Family Life
Gorka's relationship with Gemma Atkinson has been a highlight of his personal life, capturing the hearts of fans.
- Romantic Relationship: His relationship with Gemma began on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, marking the first time the show produced a romantic relationship between a couple who were not dance partners.
- Family Plans: Despite being engaged, Gorka and Gemma have no immediate plans to get married, preferring to wait until their youngest child can walk down the aisle.
- Family Life: As a proud father, he often shares updates about his family life on social media, showcasing his love for his children and partner Gemma.
Gorka Márquez: A Dance Icon
Gorka Márquez has carved out a remarkable career in the dance world. Starting at just 12, he quickly rose to prominence, representing Spain at the World Latin Championships and reaching the semi-finals of the WDSF World Cup. His journey on Strictly Come Dancing has been nothing short of spectacular, partnering with stars like Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton, and consistently delivering memorable performances. Beyond the dance floor, Gorka's personal life with Gemma Atkinson and their two children adds another layer to his story. His contributions to dance, from touring with Burn the Floor to launching Speak Easy in the West End, showcase his versatility and dedication. Gorka's legacy isn't just about his achievements but also his influence on dance culture and his ability to inspire audiences worldwide. His story is a testament to passion, resilience, and the transformative power of dance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.