According to multiple reports, the decision for Marquez to leave was a joint one with his partner, actress Gemma Atkinson. The couple considered the impact on their two children, Mia, age six, and Thiago, age two. According to Daily Mail - Home, Atkinson described that Mia preferred having her father home more, while Thiago has struggled with Marquez being away on tour.
Atkinson also noted that the family included Mia in the conversation, asking whether she would rather Marquez work in Spain at weekends or in England during Strictly. Mia reportedly said she loved watching him dance but loved having him home more. Marquez previously took a short break from Strictly to judge on its Spanish version, Bailando Con Las Estrellas, in 2025.
A schedule clash resulted in him appearing for the first seven weeks of Strictly, then traveling to Spain for a month, returning for week eleven. Multiple reports indicate that juggling work in Spain with Strictly became too much, and after conversations with their daughter, they decided Marquez needed to prioritize family. Other fan-favourite dancers were also axed from the show in what has been described as a 'pro dance bloodbath', though specific names have not been confirmed.
According to Daily Mail - Home, Marquez described his time on Strictly as a chapter that is closed, saying he learned a lot, met many people, and made friends. He added that he is very grateful but it is time to move on to a new chapter. It remains unclear whether Marquez will return to Strictly in future series or what his professional plans are after leaving the show.
The BBC has not publicly responded to his departure.