Gemma Atkinson 'very proud' as Gorka Marquez shares major Strictly announcement
The professional dancer was earlier this year confirmed to be making a comeback to the BBC One dance competition as part of the pro line-up.
Alongside Gorka, it was revealed that Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin and Luba Mushtuk will once again grace the dance floor.
They'll be joined by Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
When the pro line-up was confirmed, it was also announced that two brand new professional dancers will be making their debut, with the newcomers being So You Think You Can Dance champion Alexis Warr and Australia's Dancing With The Stars' Julian Caillon, reports the Manchester Evening News.
While it's still uncertain which professional dancers will be paired with celebrity partners this year, given there are more pros than contestants, Gorka has already ruled himself out of competing in the competition this year.
(Image: BBC)
On Wednesday (August 6), during the second week of rehearsals ahead of the pre-recording of the group numbers set to feature throughout the upcoming series, Gorka took to Instagram to reveal he was returning as a judge to the Spanish version of Strictly, Bailando con las estrellas, for a second series.
Announcing the news on Instagram on Wednesday (August 6), the 34 year old revealed: "I am happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.
"Due to the filming dates this means that I won't be competing with a partner this year in Strictly but I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES.
"As always thank you for all The love and support and remember! Keep dancing! ! !".
His fiancée Gemma, whom he met on Strictly back in 2017, was swift to respond, commenting: "Vamos! Very proud."
She also posted his announcement to her own Instagram Story and declared: "So proud! ! Back as a judge on Strictly in Spain!".
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Meanwhile, Gorka's colleagues have also been offering their congratulations.
Jowita commented; "Congratulations! !".
Johannes Radebe penned: "Congrats papi," whilst Nikita and Lauren replied with hearts and clapping emojis.
Karen wrote: "Felicitasiones chamito! ! Dale fuert."
Julian responded: "Congrats bro!".
Strictly 2024 contestant Tasha Ghori posted: "Congratulations gorka! ! !" whilst his last dance partner Dr Punam Krishan added: "Super proud of you Gorka, huge congratulations."
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