Gorka Marquez, the Strictly Come Dancing professional, has spoken out following the axing of the much-anticipated *MasterChef* Strictly special, 

which was scheduled to air last December. 

The episode, featuring Gorka alongside fellow dancers Nancy Xu, Amy Dowden, and Kai Widdrington, was pulled from the BBC schedules

after allegations surfaced involving *MasterChef* host Gregg Wallace.

The 60-year-old Wallace stepped back from his role in November after the production company, Banijay UK, 

announced that it was investigating historical misconduct complaints against him. 

As a result, the Christmas special, which had already been filmed earlier in the year, was canceled. The show had promised to showcase the four Strictly pros cooking festive dishes and a two-course menu under the guidance of judge Motsi Mabuse, who had set the first challenge.

In a recent interview with *Radio Times*, Gorka, 34, reflected on the filming experience for the now-canceled special. “I can tell you it was fun to film,” he revealed, noting the enjoyable nature of the shoot. He also joked that he might need to appear on the main *MasterChef* show now, hinting at a potential future appearance in the kitchen: “Maybe now I have to do the main *MasterChef* show so I can follow in Vito’s steps,” he said. Vito Coppola, a fellow Strictly pro, was crowned the winner of *Celebrity MasterChef 2024*, besting other contenders like Craig Doyle and actress Rochenda Sandall with his Italian-inspired menu. Gorka expressed that he was “wasn’t surprised” by Vito’s victory, praising his passion for cooking and his deep love of food.

Gorka has had a busy year, not only with his involvement in the *Strictly* special but also with his upcoming tour. The professional dancer, alongside fellow *Strictly* star Karen Hauer, will soon kick off their UK tour, *Speakeasy*, which promises to explore vintage dance styles from the 1920s to the 1970s. The tour is set to start in February and will offer fans a chance to enjoy the choreography and talent that Gorka and Karen are known for.

Aside from the cancellation of the *MasterChef* special, Gorka has also been busy with *Strictly Come Dancing*. He recently completed his ninth season with Dr. Punam Krishan, a Morning Live presenter, who competed in this year’s series. Despite their efforts, the duo finished in 11th place. However, they made history with their Bollywood-themed Couple’s Choice routine, which was performed to “Bhole Chudiye” from the film *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham*. The performance brought judges to tears, with Motsi Mabuse particularly moved by the routine. She expressed how emotional the dance was, saying, “That really moved me, I know so many people are watching you right now and feel so pleased to watch this on *Strictly*.”

Reflecting on the Bollywood dance, Gorka shared his deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a cultural milestone on the show. He mentioned to *Radio Times*, “I felt so privileged to be doing it, and very grateful for the chance to learn about a new style and culture.” He also emphasized the importance of cultural representation, explaining that in Spain, flamenco is integral to their roots, just as Bollywood dance represents the Indian community. “I think it was a great moment for the whole Indian community,” he added, acknowledging the significance of showcasing this style of dance on a mainstream platform like *Strictly Come Dancing*.

With the *MasterChef* special now a thing of the past, Gorka’s fans will have to wait to see him back in the kitchen, but he remains as busy as ever with his *Strictly* career and upcoming tour. As Gorka and his colleagues continue to push boundaries in dance, his enthusiasm for cultural exploration and passion for his craft remain evident, making him a beloved figure both on and off the dance floor.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.