Gorka: Success is the best revenge

GORKA Marquez may be Strictly’s hottest professional dancer of this series, but he revealed how he nearly gave up on his dream after being bullied at school for choosing dancing over football.

He said he was taunted by school pals back in Spain where he grew up.

“I used to play football too, and the time for classes and football training were the same sometimes, so I’d tell my coach that I couldn’t make it and pretend I had other things to do,” he said. “The other boys in my team said, ‘He likes dancing, he must me gay’.” Gorka, 27, said his success is the best revenge against the bullies, who now tell him: “We’re the stupid ones – you’re dancing around with beautiful girls and we’re nothing.” He is partnering actress Alexandra Burke, 29. He added: “Everyone wants a good partner – someone who wants to work hard and enjoy the show.”