It seems like Strictly Come Dancing really are shaking things up this year, as following the news that pro dancer Graziano Di Prima won't be getting a celebrity partner this season, fan favourite Gorka Marquez has made a similar announcement.
In a statement on 21 August, Graziano said:
“Just letting all the fans know that I will not have a celeb partner this series, but don’t worry…I am not going anywhere.
“You will see my every Saturday/Sunday nights in all out amazing group dances, on It Takes Two and across the series."
Now, fellow Strictly pro - and fan favourite - Gorka has revealed that his involvement with the show will also be changing.
"For everybody that’s been asking, I can let you know that this series, I sadly won’t be partnered with a celebrity for the main series of Strictly. However, I will still be heavily involved in all of the group numbers and all things Strictly!" Gorka said on his Instagram page.
"I’m excited to see this year’s celebs and my fellow professionals dance for the Glitter Ball and I hope to be back fighting for it next year. As always, it’s gonna be a GREAT series."
Gorka has confirmed this wasn't his decision. When a fan asked if he'd stepped away from the main show to focus on his newborn daughter Mia, who he shares with Strictly alum Gemma Atkinson, he said:
"Not really, LOL... But I will."
With Gorka and Graziano out of the running to be paired with this year's celebs, it's looking very likely we'll see Neil Jones and Johannes Radebe (two pros who've never had partners) step up this year.
While we wait for the BBC to confirm exactly what's going to happen, here's what you need to know about this year's series of Strictly.
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