A Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer may have been 'accidentally confirmed' for the new series by their famous partner. It's rumoured that a pro from the hit BBC One show is set to return for the upcoming series, with their fiancee allegedly confirming the news.
Gorka Marquez, 33, who has been part of the BBC show since 2016, recently hinted that he has no intention of leaving. His fiancee Gemma Atkinson, 39 - whom he met on Strictly a year after he joined - has reportedly hinted at his return.
Reports suggest that the actress "confirmed" Gorka will be back for the next series while discussing childcare arrangements. Gemma and her fiancé share two children, Mia, four, and eight-month-old Thiago, reports the Mirror.
Read more:
- Devon college principal hits back at closure fears
- Devon village wants to make bold leap to 'town' status
Gemma is believed to have "accidentally confirmed" in a now-deleted social media post that Gorka will be returning to Strictly later this year. According to the Daily Mail, she wrote: "Depending on Gorka's partner and whether he has a partner, depending on where they're based, he doesn't know where he is. All the childcare lands on my family because obviously all his family are in Spain."
This isn't the first time Gemma has spoken about juggling childcare amidst her and Gorka's respective careers, which recently saw him return to his native Spain for work. As previously reported, radio host Gemma once said: "I'm really fortunate that my mum and my stepdad are retired, and they live [close to our home in Manchester]."
Gorka's colleagues Luba Mushtuk, 34, and Jowita Przysta, 29, hinted on BBC Breakfast just last week that their return to the new series of Strictly, anticipated to start in September, is still uncertain. Jowita expressed: "Hopefully we're back - we don't know yet. You will need to watch to find out." Luba added: "Fingers crossed! ".
The BBC has informed the Mirror that the professional dancers for the forthcoming series of Strictly will be revealed in time. A spokesperson said on Monday: "The professional dancers for 2024 will be announced in due course."
Speculation is rife about who will grace the dance floor as celebrities in the upcoming series. Names such as actor Hannah Waddingham, ex-professional footballer Jill Scott, and comedian Alan Carr have surfaced amidst the rumour mill.
Others tipped to join include singer Toyah Willcox, chef Gino D'Acampo, documentary maker Louis Theroux, presenter Sophie Morgan, and actor Vicky McClure. The official celebrity cast is expected to be unveiled nearer the show's premiere.
The latest series saw former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach triumph alongside her dance partner Vito Coppola. West End sensation Layton Williams and EastEnders' Bobby Brazier also made it to the final, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and Dianne Buswell respectively.
