A Spanish professional dancer has quit the BBC’s ballroom contest after ten years, another exit following a major overhaul of the programme’s roster.

The 35-year-old began competing on the popular dancing series in 2016 and is the most recent performer to leave, following Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas who also departed during the recent reshuffle.

The news was shared publicly on Tuesday in preparation for the 2026 season, expected to air in September.

The official BBC Strictly social media account described the performer as an immensely popular figure on the programme, expressing gratitude for his outstanding contributions over the years and noting how heartwarming it had been to witness him establish his own family during his tenure, adding that this reflected the same warmth, commitment and character he consistently brought to the show.

The dancer met his partner, media personality Gemma Atkinson, while appearing on the programme in 2017.

During his time on the series, he reached the finals on three occasions alongside celebrities Alexandra Burke, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton.

Last year, he scaled back his involvement with the British programme while serving as a judge on Bailando con las Estrellas, the Spanish version of the dancing competition. He will retain that judging role later this year, with the BBC stating that they wished him continued success and happiness in all future endeavors.

On social media, the dancer posted a black-and-white photograph of himself walking away from the camera in formal clothing and dance shoes, moving toward a studio doorway.

In his post, he explained that following last year’s choice to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling clashes between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, he had now decided the time had come to retire from competing and bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing. He expressed profound gratitude to Strictly and the BBC for everything. He noted that his decade-long involvement had represented far more than a career opportunity, enabling him to build a profession from his passion, discover love, start a family, and forge lifelong friendships, for which he would remain eternally thankful. While stepping away from the dance floor, he said he eagerly anticipated performing on the Strictly Pro Tour beginning that week and remaining part of this remarkable family.