STRICTLY Come Dancing fans have been left delighted after spotting a familiar ‘missing’ face back on screens.
Saturday’s semi-final proved to be emotional for the remaining four contestants – with nearly everyone shedding tears for what could be their last routines.
Gorka was seen being lifted by his co-stars to cheer on Carlos and KarenCredit: Instagram
Gorka has been a fan favourite since first joining the show nine years agoCredit: BBC
The brief moment left fans delightedCredit: Instagram
But there was one smiling face who was ready to left spirits – fan favourite pro Gorka Marquez, from this year’s series.
Gorka, who has been on the show since 2016, was seen being lifted up by Aljaz Skorjanec in the Clauditorium, waving to the cameras in a blink-and-you’ll miss it moment.
He was also seen dressed in a black suit, joining the rest of his fellow pros during debriefs and scoring for some of the contestants.
Gorka has been largely absent from this year’s proceedings after picking up a new role as a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas, the Spanish version of .
As a result of the schedule clash, he has only appeared in pre-recorded group dances, and in this year’s competition.
However, he’s still been seen in behind-the-scenes clips shared to social media, including carrying judge Shirley Ballas off the set after her shoes began to hurt.
So while the moment was brief, fans were still loving having Gorka back with the rest of the gang.
“Nice of you to show up Gorks!” wrote one with a grinning face.
Another added to X: “I love how Gorka is back one week and causing chaos”
“oh i didn’t realise he was gonna be there HI GORKA WE MISSED YOU,” noted a third.
While a fourth responded to a clip of him waving his arms in the air and joked: “that was f**king great!!! i genuinely almost choked on my drink”
Since Gorka first joined the Strictly team, he has made it to the finals three times – in 2017 with Alexandra Burke, in 2020 with EastEnders star , and with Helen Skelton in 2022.
He also met his long-term love, Gemma Atkinson, when she competed on the show in 2017.
The couple are now engaged and have two children together.
Gorka last it to the final alongside Helen Skelton in 2022Credit: PA
Gorka joined the rest of the pros backstage after going ‘missing’ for weeksCredit: Instagram
Gorka is a three-time finalist – but is now working as a judge on the Spanish version of the showCredit: BBC
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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