Gorka Marquez ‘persuaded to stay on Strictly Come Dancing after seven-year itch almost saw him quit’
Gorka Marquez was persuaded to stay with Strictly Come Dancing for one more series after nearly quitting because he had the “seven-year itch,” it is rumored.
The dancer, 32, was close to winning the final series of the show with Helen Skelton, who came in second.
Being so close to a win, he regretted not winning the series, but producers managed to persuade him to participate in the 21st season.
A source told it Sun“There wasn’t a bad feeling between him and the Strictly bosses, he just felt like he’d been with the show for a long time and had never had a win.”
“So he’s been thinking about his future for the past four months and, despite the disappointment of losing last year, he’s still in love with the show.”
U-turn: Gorka Marquez was persuaded to stay on Strictly Come Dancing for another series after he nearly quit because he had the ‘seven-year itch’, it is alleged
Close to a win: The dancer, 32, came close to winning the final series of the show with Helen Skelton (pictured together), who came second
The source added: ‘Unlike other stars on the programme, he was not in need of a lengthy argument with the BBC over pay, and they offered him a deal which he was happy with.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Gorka and Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Gorka, who is engaged to actress Gemma Atkinson, 38, is preparing to welcome his second child with her, a baby boy.
The couple, who already share three-year-old Mia, met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
During an interview on Steph’s Packed Lunch, Gorka, 32, previously revealed that the pair hoped to marry in 2022.
He said, ‘We want to make the wedding for all the family and friends.
“We want to plan it well and get the whole family from Spain, the whole family from here, friends and everyone together.”
She admitted that they have considered going to the “registration office and just do it,” but it would leave her family disappointed.
While they don’t have much planned, she said they both agree that they only want close family at the wedding, but will throw a big party to celebrate a week later.
Romance: Gorka, who is engaged to actress Gemma Atkinson, 38, (pictured together) is preparing to welcome his second child with her, a baby boy
Gemma previously said, “There have been a few times now where we’ve driven past a registry office and said, ‘Shall we just go in and do it?’
“We didn’t plan anything other than we know we want it very small and very intimate.
“We’ve agreed just close family, a handful of friends, and a big party in a week or so.”
Holiday: The couple, who already share Mia, three, met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 and got engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2021