Gorka Marquez ‘so upset’ as BBC Strictly star issues statement after being forced to axe show
Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Márquez has revealed he is “upset” and “disappointed” to have to cancel a tour show last-minute.
Professional dancer Márquez, 34, shared a message on social media to announce the news just moments before he and fellow BBC Strictly star Karen Hauer were duo on stage as part of their Speakeasy tour.
The disappointing update came on the Thursday evening and came as a result of safety concerns.
Just before the show, Márquez reposted a statement penned by Hauer which read: “We are so upset to have the curtain pulled down on tonight’s show.
“We have been in the venue all afternoon battling with technical difficulties which have posed real safety concerns and have tried everything we can to go on stage tonight.
“Of course the safety of our company comes first and this decision is beyond our control.”
He continued: “We hope to see you very soon. The venue will be in touch with ticketholders. We are as disappointed as you are. K&G.”
Earlier this month, fans of the pair were upset to hear Hauer had pulled out of scheduled meet and greets.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff sell family home weeks after BBC Strictly couple’s shock splitDianne Buswell fans rush to support her after BBC Strictly star shares family news following sad lossBBC Strictly’s James and Ola Jordan share miscarriage heartbreak as they open up on difficult decision
According to The Mirror, fans who had booked tickets to meet the dancers after the show were emailed about the change of plans.
They were reportedly told Hauer, 42, would no longer be available for meet and greets “due to scheduling difficulties”.
Spanish dancer Márquez also surprised fans when they learned he wouldn’t be taking part in this year’s Strictly tour.
Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour! is a nationwide arena tour in the UK that was first staged in 2008 and has continued every year since.
Opening up about the reason he opted not to take part in the latest event, Marquez told Radio Times in January: “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.”
Marquez and his wife Atkinson first met on the show back in 2017 and announced their relationship in the following months in 2018.
In 2019, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child, Mia, before getting engaged in 2021 on Valentine’s Day.
They later welcomed their son Thiago in 2023 – meaning it has been harder for Marquez to be away from his family during the intense competition.
The family have recently suffered two devastating losses – their pups Norman and Ollie – who died within a few months of each other.
The sad losses were tough on the family, with Atkinson recently admitting their daughter Mia had been so strong considering the dogs were in her life since she was a baby.