A STRICTLY Come Dancing favourite has pulled out of being partnered up with a celebrity in the upcoming series.
The Sun can reveal Gorka Marquez will be missing for three weeks from the BBC dance show to work as a judge on the Spanish version of the show, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, this autumn.
It means he can't commit to being part of the main cast.
The hunky dance pro will appear in the majority of the series as part of the ensemble, starring on-screen in each of the first seven weeks.
But he will then be absent for a month before making his return in the group number in Week 11 when he will become a constant fixture through until the final.
A source said: "Strictly bosses were desperate to keep Gorka so have made it work around his schedule to make sure he's as involved as possible because he's such a fan favourite."
Gorka posted on social media this afternoon, telling fans: "I am Happy to announce that I will be back for season two of BAILANDO CON LAS ESTRELLAS as a judge from September.
"Due to the filming dates this means that I won’t be competing with a partner this year in Strictly but I will be a part of lots of the group numbers and will be back for final weeks of the Show to support the rest of my fellow pros and their celebrities in what is going to be an AMAZING SERIES.
"As always thank you for all The love and support
and remember!"
The 34-year-old became a Strictly pro in 2016 and has appeared in eight series. His highest finishes have been as runner-up with Maisie Smith, Alexandra Burke and Helen Skelton.
Show chiefs have drafted in two new pros for this year's series - Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
Both are familiar faces on the global Dancing With The Stars circuit and bring a wealth of performance experience to the UK version.
Alexis, 25, made a name for herself in the US when she won So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.
She was the first female ballroom and Latin specialist to take the title, earning the title of America’s Favourite Dancer.
Since then, she’s performed as a troupe member and guest pro on the American Dancing With The Stars, as well as touring with the show for the past three years.
This year's Strictly is already embroiled in scandal after we revealed allegations of cocaine abuse by two stars behind the scenes.
The BBC has hired a law firm on its behalf to probe the damning allegations.
The allegations were made in a legal submission to the BBC in March by law firm Russells on behalf of celebrity contestant Wynne Evans.
It is understood others have also reported to the BBC allegations of drug taking on Strictly Come Dancing.
A BBC spokesman told The Sun on Sunday: “We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
“We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns.
“It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
