Gorka Márquez discusses life in the UK and the complexities of cultural integration
“This is the real me,” Gorka Márquez says as he pulls off his navy beanie to reveal a mop of unruly, tousled hair. “That’s why I’m wearing the hat, not because I want to wear a hat, but because my hair looks like this.” He laughs, then puts the beanie back on. “People think of me all sleek and groomed with slick hair and tight trousers, or think I’d be done up every day, when it is actually the opposite,” reports BritPanorama.
The Bilbao-born dancer, familiar both as a pro and fan favourite on Strictly Come Dancing, is speaking from his kitchen table in Manchester. He describes a typical weekend in the aftermath of the show, which he largely spends on the sofa watching films with his partner Gemma Atkinson and their two young children, cooking a Sunday roast in the process.
While his embrace of British domestic life may seem effortless, Márquez notes that it didn’t come easy at first. Cultural differences and miscommunications have marked his experience living in another country. For instance, a casual suggestion from Atkinson, a Northern Englishwoman, for tea turned out to mean dinner, a moment that starkly illustrated their differing cultural references.
Such experiences became the inspiration for Lost in Translation, a podcast they launched to discuss communication, family life, and the amusing frictions that arise from blending their cultures. Márquez emphasizes the authenticity the podcast represents, contrasting it with the polished image often associated with him. “We just try to be ourselves,” he explains. “It’s very real.”
Márquez acknowledges the public scrutiny that comes with sharing personal insights. “With the internet, something you say can be misunderstood, and it ends up everywhere and doesn’t disappear,” he reflects. He expresses a desire to be cautious, aware that once a comment is made, it cannot be taken back, potentially inviting backlash from critics.
He strives to maintain perspective despite the noise. A lesson he learned following an inciting comment highlighted the need to reserve energy for those who matter. “If they know you, they’ll call you. If they don’t have your number, they’re not important to you,” he recalls.
This pragmatic approach has been influenced by family life. Parenting his six-year-old daughter Mia and two-year-old son Thiago is described by Márquez as “the greatest joy,” albeit with challenges. He muses on the struggles of balancing family duties with work commitments, underscoring the importance of support from grandparents, particularly during times when the children fall ill.
The toll of being away on dance tours, which can last weeks, presents a persistent challenge. “I find it really difficult when I go away,” he admits. “You miss the little day-to-day moments and even milestones. And you don’t get those back.”
Márquez entered the world of dance at a young age, departing Spain at just 18 to pursue opportunities in the US before eventually settling in the UK. While there are aspects he misses about his homeland, such as the weather and food, he has no plans to relocate his family there, citing the slower pace and customs he has grown unaccustomed to.
His ongoing commitment to Strictly suggests that UK viewers can expect more from him. Despite the show’s success and celebrity status of its dancers, Márquez notes that public perceptions often miss the hard work that underpins the glamour. “When something is so successful, there are always people trying to bring it down,” he states, indicating a recognition of the persistent scrutiny faced by such flagship entertainment programs.
As the show evolves, particularly following the departure of long-standing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, speculation regarding its future looms large. “I never know what the future holds, to be honest,” he admits, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding forthcoming decisions within the show.
Márquez reflects on a recent trend where individuals compare their lives from 2016 to 2026, noting the stark contrast his own journey has taken. “In 2016, it’s me before joining Strictly. In 2026, everything is completely different,” he observes. The opportunities and relationships he has fostered through Strictly have been pivotal, shaping both his personal and professional landscape.
Lost in Translation is available on all major podcast providers.
