BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Gorka Marquez spots shows 'new judges' as co-stars reunite

The dancer has been confirmed to be returning to the ballroom later this year alongside his fellow pros

Jessica Sansome TV and Celebrity Editor

14:54, 21 Apr 2025

Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez(Image: Gorka Marquez Instagram)

Gorka Marquez has cheekily spotted Strictly Come Dancing's new judging line-up as he responded to seeing a few of his co-stars reunite.

The dancer has been confirmed to be returning to the ballroom later this year alongside his fellow pros after the line-up was confirmed earlier this month by the BBC.

Those returning when the hit BBC One dance contest's 23rd series gets underway in the autumn alongside Gorka are Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, and Nikita Kuzmin.

They're also joined by Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola, while two new pros will also be unveiled closer to the series launch.

Sarah James, executive producer, BBC Studios said: "The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new professional dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025."

More details regarding the upcoming series, including the celebrity contestants taking part, will be announced in due course as Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

But Gorka has joked he has already spotted a new judging line-up. Over the weekend, Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas was seen alongside Vito, Neil and Kai judging at the European Championships, held at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Strictly stars Kai, Shirley, Vito and Neil were judging in Blackpool(Image: Kai Widdrington Instagram)

Sharing a photo of the foursome on Instagram, Kai said: "A fabulous weekend of judging the European championships in Blackpool with the Strictly fam."

Article continues below

But Gorka couldn't help but brilliantly point out: "Left to right the new Anton Shirley Bruno and Craig," before adding the face with tongue out and face with hand over mouth emojis.

Fans, meanwhile, were also quick to comment. @joannagoody said: "Suited and booted! you look fab." @danyser9 commented: "An outstanding panel of judges!" @stacew23 wrote: "Looking fabulous. Love Shirleys suit."

@clarebear1806 replied: "You look amazing. Very well suited and booted." @kazcar55 posted: "You all look wonderful." @elainewalsh98 shared: "Wow what a team. All look fabulous." @jaggerdebbie added: "What a good looking line up."