Gorka Marquez, a beloved professional dancer on BBC’s *Strictly Come Dancing*, has expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the show for a tenth series—and made a playful request.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, who previously partnered with TV doctor Punam Krishan last year and has been a fixture of the competition since 2016, confirmed his return after the program announced its lineup for the upcoming Autumn season. Marquez shared his excitement on Instagram, stating: “STRICTLY 2025. Excited to be back for my 10th Series!” He added a teasing “Let the countdown begin.”
His post concluded with a lighthearted plea: “Ps: @bbcstrictly get those PVC trousers ordered in every colour.” This playful reference stems from his memorable Week Two Foxtrot with Krishan, where he wore particularly snug PVC leggings paired with a mesh shirt.
During an appearance on *It Takes Two*, host Janette Manrara translated Marquez’s Spanish commentary, revealing the dancer described the trousers as “Tighter than the nails of a submarine.” He admitted to needing talc and experiencing chafing, comparing his discomfort to a scene from the television show *Friends*. Krishan echoed this sentiment, recalling how he frantically sought solutions – powder, cream, or anti-chafing balm – right before their performance. Her response? “Not now, Gorka, just dance!”
Marquez’s post included two images: one of him elegantly dressed in a top hat and tails, and another showcasing the infamous PVC trousers backstage.
Fellow *Strictly* stars flooded the comments section with celebratory messages. Karen Hauer wrote “Vamonos!” while Lauren Oakley exclaimed, “Let’s goooo Gorks.” Amy Dowden chimed in with “Let’s do this g x,” alongside a string of emojis. Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, and Nancy Xu also joined in the celebration with enthusiastic reactions. Krishan playfully responded: “Haha you and your trousers.” Marquez acknowledged her comment with a simple, “I know lol.”
Marquez’s return is particularly welcome considering he announced he would be skipping this year’s *Strictly* Live tour due to wanting to prioritize family time with his partner, Gemma Atkinson, and their two children. As he told Radio Times: “Strictly is quite intense and I have to balance work with time with Gemma (Atkinson) and the children. They are five and one, and this time will never come back.”
The announcement of Marquez’s return also coincides with confirmation that fellow veteran professional dancer Neil Jones will be returning for his tenth series. Jones shared on Instagram: “I can’t believe it’s going to be a decade that I have been a pro on @bbcstrictly so to everyone that supports me and the show, thank you and I can’t wait to continue entertaining the nation.”
