Gorka Marquez has shared an emotional update with his social media followers after it was finally unveiled he’d been partnered with Punam Krishan for this year’s Strictly.
On Saturday night, the BBC dance competition returned following a tumultuous few months – although it underwhelmed in the ratings compared to previous series.
But the millions who did tune in got to see Marquez meet celeb partner Krishan for the first time ahead of their first live performance this Saturday.
In order to make sure Saturday’s dance goes without a hitch, Marquez and TV doctor Krishan will be putting in the hours in the rehearsal room – despite the GP continuing to work in her practice while training for the show.
With Krishan remaining a full-time GP during her Strictly stint, Marquez has taken the drastic decision to move to Glasgow, Scotland to be closer to her and ensure they can train as often as possible.
But it’s a decision not taken lightly as Marquez took to Instagram to reveal he’d been left in tears when saying goodbye to his fiancée Gemma Atkinson and their two young children.
Alongside a tearful selfie, Marquez confided in his Instagram followers: “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.
“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…”
He signed off: “I hope you all have a lovely Sunday and thanks for letting me share it with you all.”
Fans and co-stars rushed to support Marquez in the comments of the post, including other half Atkinson.
The former Strictly star and Emmerdale actress penned to her beau: “I’m just gutted you’ve packed all your decent hoodies! wtf am I supposed to wear? [Laugh emoji].
“We Love you and cannot wait to see you do your thing! Mia’s already given me ‘Saturday nights instructions’. You keep that record of the most 10s going with Dr Punam! We’ll be right here at the finish line!”
Elsewhere, Krishan recognised the sacrifice her pro partner made as she weighed in: “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.
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“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 xx.”
As well as Atkinson and Krishan, several Strictly pros also shared their kind words of support.
Amy Dowden penned: “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 xxxx .”
While Nancy Xu echoed: “We are all humans, emotions are big part within us, you are doing something amazing and they will be so proud of, just keep going George!!! Like you said, it will all WORTH IT. And don’t forget, we are here for each other.”
And long-serving pro Karen Hauer added: “They are and will always be proud of you just the way we are proud of you Champ.” (sic)
