Gorka Marquez thanks fans after Strictly Come Dancing launch support

The 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing premiered recently, with professional dancer Gorka Marquez expressing his appreciation for the support from fans. Gorka, who is partnered with celebrity Dr. Punam Krishan this season, took to social media to share his gratitude after the first episode aired on September 14. His heartfelt message came after a challenging year for the show, marked by controversies involving past contestants. The show has been under scrutiny due to allegations of bullying and misconduct. Notably, Amanda Abbington, a contestant from the previous season, withdrew early, citing PTSD from her experience with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. Additionally, Graziano Di Prima left the show after admitting to kicking his celebrity partner, Zara McDermott. These incidents have cast a shadow over the show's reputation. Despite these challenges, the launch episode was a success, garnering positive reactions from viewers. Gorka's message highlighted the importance of fan support during this tumultuous time. He expressed joy at the return of the show and the positive reception of his pairing with Dr. Punam. As the series progresses, the focus will likely remain on the performances and the dynamics between the contestants, while the show aims to move past the controversies that have affected its image in recent months.