The couple involved their six-year-old daughter Mia in the decision-making process, according to Atkinson. She told the Daily Mail that they asked Mia whether she preferred her father working in Spain at weekends or in England during Strictly, and Mia said she loved watching him dance but loved having him home more. Their two-year-old son Thiago has struggled with Gorka being away on tour, Atkinson added.
Gorka described his exit as 'bittersweet', according to the Daily Mail. He said he was grateful for his time on the show but that it was a closed chapter and time to move on.