Gorka Marquez, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Professional, Has Teeth Knocked Out In Unprovoked Attack

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professional Gorka Marquez has lost two teeth after being attacked by a gang of youths in Blackpool.

The assault happened on Saturday night just hours after the Spanish dancer had filmed this year’s special from Blackpool’s tower ballroom.

The 26-year-old, who made his debut on the show this year, was heading to the Flamingo night club in the seaside town with fellow professional dancers Aljaz Skorjanec and Neil Jones when he was set upon.

A friend told The Sun: “Gorka and a few of the other dancers were heading to a nightclub to let their hair down after another brilliant show.

“All of a sudden this group of local louts came out of nowhere.

“One of them punched Gorka in the face and broke two of his teeth.”

The friend added: “Gorka was sober, he doesn’t drink.

“This was an entirely random and shocking attack on a group of friends simply trying to enjoy a night out.

“He wasn’t angry, he was just more shaken by the event.”

Gorka is set to have dental surgery today and will return to the BBC dance show this weekend.

A BBC spokesman said: “He will be back in training this week and is looking forward to the group routine next weekend.”

Gorka made his ‘Strictly’ debut this year, partnering ‘EastEnders’ actress Tameka Empson, who plays Kim Fox in the BBC soap.

The pair were voted off in the second round but Gorka has continued to appear in the programme as part of the weekly group routines.

He also stepped in to dance with singer Anastacia in week five, when her partner Brendan Cole was taken ill.

This weekend’s ‘Strictly’ saw Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford voted off the show after losing out to Claudia Fragapane in the dance-off.

She will join Danny Mac, Ed Balls, Judge Rinder, Ore Oduba and Louise Redknapp in next week’s show.