Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez has revealed why he shared an emotional Instagram post showing himself in tears back in September.
The professional dancer opened up in a new interview with Metro.co.uk about the viral social media post, where he had photographed himself crying in his car.
Marquez explained he wanted to show the reality behind the glittering world of dance and help others feel less alone with their struggles.
The 16-year dance veteran admitted there are days when he “doesn’t want to dance” as he discussed the sacrifices required in his profession.
In his original Instagram post, Marquez shared his feelings of “sadness” and “guilt” about leaving his fiancee Gemma Atkinson and their two children, Mia, five, and one-year-old Thiago.
“I feel like today should be one of those days where everyone might think all is happiness, joy, excitement, for all what is about to start with Strictly… And YES It is,” he wrote.
The star had his children with him at Blackpool
He continued: “But at the same time I get a feeling of sadness, guilt, for going away for whatever long it is. A feeling of letting them down for not being there, a sense of failure to them.”
The dancer explained he wanted to share a moment “that sometimes we hide or keep for ourselves, especially being a man”.
Speaking to Metro.co.uk, Marquez highlighted the less glamorous side of his profession: “People always show us with a smile, entertaining, with glitter, getting hair and make-up done, doing a theatre tour or doing an arena tour and believe everything is just ‘Wow’. But there is a lot of sacrifice.”
The dancer revealed he left home at 16 to pursue his career.
Gemma continuously supports her husband through his time on the show
“Sometimes your body is broken from nine hours a day rehearsing and it’s cold and your joints are aching but you have to do it,” he explained.
He emphasised that he doesn’t consider himself famous, but rather “a dancer who is lucky enough to perform on television.”
Marquez explained his motivation for sharing the post: “I just want to show that we all go through that and to help people going through the same thing to make them feel less alone.”
His Strictly co-stars quickly offered support on the original post.
Oti Mabuse wrote: “Oh Gorka. it’s so hard buddy but you are a great dad they have a super system with Mum.”
Dianne Buswell added: “Gorks sending you love and I can’t imagine how hard leaving your babies must be! But they love their daddy so much and you’re doing them proud every day.”
Atkinson responded playfully: “I’m just gutted you’ve packed all your decent hoodies! We Love you and cannot wait to see you do your thing!”
The professional dancer was partnered with Dr Punam Krishan this year on the BBC dancing competition and was one of the first couples to be eliminated from the series.
