The Strictly star was in tears
Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez is "heartbroken" as he took to social media to share a family update. The professional dancer has been a key member of the cast since he joined the show in 2016.
He is engaged to Gemma Atkinson and the couple share two children, Mia and Thiago. Gorka took to Instagram to give his followers an update on the health of their dog Benji.
The Strictly star wrote: "Many of you messaged asking how is Benji doing. Unfortunately he didn't get better so I had to take him back to the vets and leave him there to do scans and he ended up having surgery. He is doing well now and this evening he will be back home with us."
He also shared a selfie of him in tears as he wrote: "It breaks my heart seeing him like that and to leave him there..." followed by two tearful emojis.
The sad update was followed by a photograph of his son Thiago. Gorka said: "At least this little man makes me smile all morning" with a red love heart emoji.
Gorka competed on the last season of the BBC show with Dr Punam Krishan and they lasted until week six of the competition. The 34-year-old followed up his stint on the show with a UK tour alongside fellow dancer Karen Hauer.
Gorka is currently taking a well-earned rest from dancing with his partner Gemma and their two children. The couple met when she was a contestant on the BBC dancing show in 2017.
He has recently been confirmed for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing and Gorka was excited to be included. He said: "STRICTLY 2025. Excited to be back for my 10th Series! Let the countdown begin. Ps: @bbcstrictly get those PVC trousers ordered in every colour."
He will be joined by Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
He was recently part of this year's annual Soccer Aid match for UNICEF. He was part of team World XI which triumphed against England in front of a sold out Old Trafford on Sunday.
Speaking about the team's win, Gorka said: "WHAT A NIGHT!! 15 million pounds Rised for @socceraid @unicef_uk and playing football at Old Trafford along next to some incredible and talented and awesome humans. An experience that I’ll never forget! THANK YOU TO everyone who came to watch support and donated."
