SPANISH dancer Gorka Marquez has shared an emotional update with fans as he prepares for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
The pro dancer appeared on the 2024 premiere of the BBC show last night alongside his new celebrity partner, Dr. Punam Krishan.
GP Dr. Punam told audiences: "I’m absolutely buzzing. I feel honoured, because you’ve got so many years of experience. I can’t wait to take you up north to bonnie Scotland."
Gorka replied: "I can’t wait. I love Glasgow and I love haggis."
However, despite being excited to embark on this new venture, Gorka has also admitted that he feels guilty about leaving his family behind to compete in the series.
He posted a photo of himself in tears on Instagram in a moment of vulnerability, saying: "Sometimes I feel like in here we all share happy things, or things that can make others go Wow look at him/her...how amazing.
"Maybe scared to show the other side of us, more vulnerable, but that is still us.
"So...here is me, having a moment of those that sometimes we hide or keep for our selves, especially being a man."
Gorka went on to elaborate on the mixed emotions he has as a new season of Strictly kicks off.
He added: "I feel like today should be one of those days where everyone might think is all happiness, joy, excitement, for all what is about to start with Strictly...And YES it is.
"But at the same time I get a feeling of sadness, guilt, for going away for what ever long it is. A feeling of letting them down for not being there, a sense of failure to them..."
The dad-of-two went on to clarify that his family is excited to watch him dance but supports his career, but it still is difficult to spend long periods of time away from them.
Gorka soon received an outpouring of love and support from fans - but also several of his co-stars who understand just how taxing the job can be.
Dianne Buswell wrote: "Gorks sending you love and I can’t imagine how hard leaving your babies must be! But they love their daddy so much and you're doing them proud every day."
Amy Dowden added: "Oh Gorka, they are so proud of you and love you endlessly! You are teaching your darling children so much. They look up to their daddy! Remember that."
Gorka's dance partner Dr. Punam also chimed in, saying: "I completely understand how you’re feeling. It feels hard because it is hard to leave the family.
"I always hate leaving home too so I totally get it but I promise my family and I will look after you as one of our own. The gorgeous people of Glasgow are beyond excited to have you here and we will do everything we can to make you feel at home.
"Oh and I promise to do my very best with the dancing to make this sacrifice worth it."
Gorka is currently engaged to soap star Gemma Atkinson, who he has two children with.
The pair met in 2017 when they hit it off backstage while both competing in Strictly.
They officially confirmed their romance in 2018, and then welcomed their baby girl Mia Louise Marquez into the world in 2019.
On July 19, 2023, Gemma announced she had given birth to their second child, a boy named Thiago.
