STRICTLY SHOCK EXIT AS BELOVED STAR STEPS AWAY AFTER 10 YEARS — AND HE HAS ALREADY TEASED A SURPRISE RETURN

Strictly Come Dancing has entered a new era in 2026, with several familiar faces stepping away from the BBC dance show after years of entertaining viewers.

Among the most notable departures is professional dancer Gorka Márquez, who confirmed earlier this year that he was leaving the programme after a decade on the Strictly ballroom.

The Spanish dancer, 36, said he had decided it was time to “hang up” his dance shoes and move on to new opportunities. His departure came after he had already reduced his involvement with the show while taking on work with Spain’s version of Dancing with the Stars.

A DECADE ON THE STRICTLY DANCE FLOOR

Gorka became one of the most recognisable professional dancers on Strictly, competing for the Glitterball Trophy and building a large following during his years on the programme.

In announcing his departure, he reflected on what the show had meant to him, saying his time on Strictly had been about much more than a professional opportunity.

He credited the programme with helping him build his career, find love, start a family and make lifelong friendships.

His exit was met with an outpouring of messages from fans and fellow dancers.

But Gorka has also made it clear that his relationship with Strictly may not be over forever.

“MAYBE I’LL COME BACK ONE DAY AS A JUDGE”

In September, Gorka revealed that he could imagine returning to the show in a completely different role.

Asked about a possible comeback, he suggested that he might one day take a seat behind the judges’ desk.

“Who knows, maybe I come back one day as a judge,” he said, joking that Strictly could have a Spanish judge.

That comment has added an intriguing twist to his departure.

For now, however, Gorka is not part of the professional line-up for the 2026 series.

STRICTLY HAS UNDERGONE A MAJOR SHAKE-UP

Gorka is not the only familiar face to leave.

The BBC confirmed that Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas also departed the professional line-up ahead of the 2026 series.

At the same time, the programme introduced new professional dancers as it prepared for a new season.

The presenting team has also changed dramatically.

Long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over presenting duties for the 2026 series.

THE JUDGES ARE NOT LEAVING

Despite the wave of departures, one part of the Strictly line-up has remained unchanged.

Head judge Shirley Ballas is back alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

The BBC confirmed all four would return for the 2026 series, meaning there has been no confirmed judge exit from the current panel.

That distinction is important as social media speculation continues to circulate about changes to the show.

For Gorka, however, the door appears to remain open.

After ten years dancing beneath the famous Strictly lights, he has stepped away from the professional line-up — but his own words suggest viewers may not have seen the last of him in the ballroom.