Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Gorka Marquez has announced his departure from the BBC show after 10 years, with his exit becoming the fifth pro dancer to leave the series this year

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Gorka Marquez has departed Strictly Come Dancing, becoming the fifth professional dancer to exit this series. He revealed his decision to step away through Instagram.

The dancer posted a black and white photograph of himself walking away from the camera, dressed in a suit and dance shoes, heading towards a studio door. His caption read: “After last year’s decision to step down as a full-time professional due to scheduling conflicts between Strictly and Dancing with the Stars Spain, I’ve decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

“I will always be incredibly grateful to Strictly and the BBC for everything. Being part of the show has been so much more than just a professional opportunity-over the past 10 years, it allowed me to build a career from my passion, find love, start a family, and make lifelong friends. For that, I will forever be thankful.

“Although I’m stepping away from the dance floor, I can’t wait to dance on the Strictly Pro Tour starting this week and continue being part of this incredible family.”

In a cryptic reference, Gorka appeared to allude to his role as a judge on Dancing With The Stars Spain, or perhaps hinted at a potential judging position on the BBC programme. Gorka added: “Now it’s time to take a step back, enjoy the sidelines… and hopefully hold up a few paddles and give out some tens along the way. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and shared their love throughout this incredible journey. Keep dancing.”

Gorka joined Strictly in 2016, where he was partnered with Tameka Empson. Over subsequent years, he danced alongside Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, Katie McGlynn, Helen Skelton, Nikita Kanda and Dr Punam Krishan. Despite his popularity with viewers, he sat out last year due to scheduling clashes with his Dancing With The Stars commitments, reports the Mirror.

In his second series, Gorka met his partner and mother of his children, Gemma Atkinson, who was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec. Gemma responded to his post with: “Thank goodness you were on the show in 2017! Exciting times ahead”.

Numerous other Strictly stars left comments on the post. Johannes Radebe wrote: “Oh papi, all the best.” Nancy Xu added: “Georgeeeeee let’s make the most of it you are amazing.”

Some celebrities simply posted heart emojis, including Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who are amongst the four professional dancers confirmed to be departing Strictly this year. Nadiya, Luba, Karen Hauer and Michelle Tsiakkas were all rumoured to have been dropped alongside Gorka and Neil Jones. Their departures have been confirmed, meaning that with Gorka’s announcement, Neil remains the only reportedly axed professional dancer still associated with the programme.

Addressing Gorka’s departure on Instagram, Strictly said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Gorka for his exceptional contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the years. Since joining the show in 2016, Gorka has been a hugely popular member of the professional dancer line-up, known for his passion, charisma and exceptional choreography.

“As well as being part of our Strictly family, it’s been heartwarming to see him start his own family during his time with us and that journey reflects the same warmth, commitment and character he has always brought to the show.

“We are incredibly grateful for his dedication to the series over the years and are so proud to see him shining in his judging role on Bailando con las Estrellas in Spain. We wish him continued success and happiness in everything that’s to come.”

Strictly Come Dancing looks set for a significant overhaul ahead of its next series, which is scheduled to air in the autumn. In addition to alterations to the professional dancer line-up, the programme will also welcome new presenters, following the announcement by long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman of their departure in 2025.

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Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo during a tough time for her family – as the pair celebrate a major milestone

Kerry Katona is leaning on boyfriend Paolo amid a tough time for her family.

The TV star is about to celebrate a whole year of love with her partner Paolo Margaglione after the pair met on Celebs Go Dating just under 12 months ago. It has been a tough time for Kerry, whose mum is currently in hospital.

Heaping praise on Paolo, she shared: “Paolo is just my safe space. He calms me so much. I can’t express enough what a beautiful soul he is. He’s just the most beautiful, beautiful man. This has been the most amazing year of my life.

“I’ve met Paolo and I’ve worked so hard on myself. I’m in a really good place, but it’s like my body’s got trapped trauma from the past because I’m not in fight or flight. I feel very safe and secure. I can’t believe I met him on a TV show. It’ll be a year in two weeks time.”

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She wrote in her new magazine column: “It’s been a really tough week. My mum’s been taken really poorly. She’s got a broken back. Her bones break really easily. I rang to see how she was and the doctor said, ‘Can you come in straight away because she’s coming in and out of consciousness,’ and they didn’t know why.

“It’s been horrendous. They asked me that if the worst happens if I want to resuscitate her? I was in bits. When the doctors are asking those kind of questions, it’s very heavy on your shoulders. I’m all my mum has so it’s not nice seeing her like that.”

Kerry has since shared an update on social media to reveal once her mum came out of consciousness, she found it very difficult as it wasn’t her mum how she knew her.

“I left yesterday, after being there from Wednesday. It takes a toll on you and drains you. It was very hard to watch,” she said, before revealing that her mum is now doing better and she has now come home to her own house.

Just weeks ago, Kerry herself was rushed to hospital over stroke fears. She had been in London watching her eldest daughter Molly in a new play, when she started to feel unwell midway through the performance.

She said at the time: “As the day went on, I didn’t feel well. I went to the toilet and noticed my face wasn’t right. And Heidi was like, ‘Mum, what’s wrong with your face?’ I started panicking. I discreetly left, went to my hotel and asked to see a doctor. I told the staff, ‘Something’s not right.’”

After needing to take a taxi to hospital, Kerry said: “I got there, and they said, ‘We’re treating this as a stroke,’ so they blue-lit me in an ambulance from St Thomas’ to King’s College Hospital. They were shining lights in my eyes while my face and speech were getting worse. It really, really scared me.”

For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Locals said they were concerned about potential noise and antisocial behaviour if the plans are approved

Plans have been submitted for a former Halifax bank to become a 24-hour ‘adult gaming centre’. Luxury Leisure submitted an application to Fenland District Council to change the use of a bank on Wisbech’s Market Place into an entertainment centre.

The building at 28 Market Place is currently a former Halifax bank premises which closed in January 2025. The application is to establish the change of use with the adult gaming centre operating on the ground floor level.

A covering letter states: “Internally, there will be no noisy amusement arcade equipment which attracts under 18’s [sic] and has an impact on amenity. Unlike an ‘amusement arcade’ which is noisy to attract passing customers of all ages, there is statutory obligation to exclude under 18’s from AGC’s.”

The proposed 24-hour use plans to ensure footfall to the town centre operating seven days a week. Luxury Leisure say they have never had a licence reviewed or revoked and are a “socially responsible national multiple operate with an excellent covenant”.

Comments on the Fenland District Council planning portal expressed concerns about the entertainment centre including a potential rise in antisocial behaviour. One resident wrote: “The potential for increased noise from patrons entering and leaving late at night, combined with the ‘clustering’ effect of similar venues nearby, could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.”

They added: “The Market Place is a primary thoroughfare for families and students. Placing a gambling venue in such a high-traffic area for minors is socially irresponsible.”

“Wisbech already possesses several gambling and betting establishments. Granting another license creates an over-concentration of these uses, leading to a ‘tipping point’ where the town centre feels dominated by gambling rather than sustainable retail or community-focused businesses,” the comment continued.

“There are no adverse impacts and there is no evidence of any anti-social behaviour being exacerbated by such use”, the applicant said.

Councillor Steve Tierney said he believed the proposed entertainment centre posed “serious consequences for addicts” and possible “noise and nuisance”.

Riley, 13, was last seen in the Regent Court area of Gateshead town centre at about 3pm on Tuesday, April 21.

He was last in touch with his family on Friday, April 24.

Extensive enquiries have been ongoing by Northumbria Police to locate him.

The 13-year-old is known to frequent the Chester-le-Street area of County Durham and the Stockton area of Teesside.

Riley is described as a white boy, 5ft 6in tall and of slim build with mousy brown short hair.

He wears glasses and is believed to be wearing a grey Berghaus jacket, black pants and black trainers.

Anyone who knows where Riley is should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the force’s website.

For those unable to make contact via the above ways, call 101 and quote reference number: NP-20260421-0796.

A hearing found that the officer committed gross misconduct

A police officer has been given a final written warning after a misconduct hearing. The officer, referred to as PC A, faced three allegations and was found to have committed gross misconduct by a misconduct panel.

On June 13, 2024, the officer is alleged to have recorded body worn footage onto their phone, showed it to a witness, and tried to show the video while in a pub.

Between January 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, the officer allegedly gave information and details about an investigation involving a child. Both of these allegations were found to be proven at the misconduct hearing.

It was also alleged that between February 1, 2024 and October 18, 2024, the officer recorded body worn video onto their phone and showed the footage to a witness. The panel was not satisfied with the evidence and found this allegation was not proven.

The panel determined that the officer acted contrary to orders and instructions, processed and/or disclosed information otherwise than in accordance with a proper policing purpose, and acted in a manner likely to bring discredit upon the police service.

The officer’s hearing concluded that they be given a final written warning to last three years. This decision was made considering the seriousness of the conduct, the circumstances that gave rise to the misconduct, the public interest, and the mitigation offered by the officer including previous record of conduct.

NFL legend Monte Coleman has died at the age of 68, two of his former teams have confirmed.

Tributes began to emerge on Sunday, with both Washington and Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions leading the way with the kind words. No cause of death has been announced as yet.

Coleman was a central figure in Washington’s most successful ever era, playing his part in three Super Bowl-winning teams. Across 16 seasons, the 6’2″ player became one of the most dependable names on any NFL team sheet.

His back door route into the NFL didn’t quite hint at what was coming for the man. Washington selected him in the 11th round of the 1979 Draft with the 289th overall pick.

Players taken that late don’t usually hang around in the sport for long, let alone go on to define an era. Coleman did both. He stayed with Washington for his entire 16 year career and became a mainstay in their defence. His consistency helped underpin those three title-winning sides.

Coleman made more than 200 appearances for Washington during that spell. giving the team a level of stability that stretched across more than a decade.

Recognition followed long after he stepped away. In 2015, Coleman was inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame. It cemented his place among the franchise’s most important ever figures.

The Commanders (who were – rather controversially – known as the ‘Redskins’ during Coleman’s playing career) paid tribute shortly after news broke. ‘We mourn the loss of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the Burgundy & Gold, Monte Coleman,’ the team posted on X. ‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones’.

Managing partner Josh Harris expanded on that message, chipping in personally to pay his respects, saying: ‘Monte Coleman was one of the greatest players in Washington history. He was one of the pillars of our championship defenses having played for all three Super Bowl winning teams. His durability and leadership set the standard for what it meant to suit up for the Burgundy & Gold.’

‘Monte played all 16 seasons in Washington and ranks second in games played and fourth in sacks all-time earning him a place in the Washington Ring of Fame. Named the Washingtonian of the Year in 1996, Monte made a major impact in our community with his philanthropic work and community service.’

Harris finished his tribute with something of a personal note: ‘Monte will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Coleman family, his friends and all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.’

Before joining the National Football League, Coleman had already made his mark locally. He stood out at Pine Bluff High School before moving on to the University of Central Arkansas. By the time he reached the draft, he’d built a strong foundation to launch a career in the sport.

He stepped away from playing in 1994. Football didn’t stay away from him for long though, even if there was a gap before his almost inevitable return. In 2003, he re-joined his hometown side Arkansas-Pine Bluff as a linebackers coach.

Within three years, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. His influence within the programme grew quickly.

In 2008, Coleman became head coach. He remained in the role for a decade and led the team to the Southwestern Athletic Conference title in 2012. It was the standout achievement of his coaching career.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff also confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. The university described him as a ‘revered leader whose impact on the game of football and countless lives will be felt for generations.’

The statement also reflected on his wider contribution to their setup. Coleman was called a ‘cornerstone of excellence both on and off the field’ who ‘leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, leadership, and championship success.’

‘Beyond wins and accolades, Coleman was a mentor, father figure, and role model to his student-athletes, instilling values that extended far beyond the game,’ the statement went on. ‘His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who wore the Golden Lion uniform.’

The football legend’s old university side also ended their message with support for Monte’s grieving relative: ‘The UAPB family extends its deepest condolences to the Coleman family, former players, colleagues, and all who were impacted by his extraordinary life and career.’

Funeral details have not yet been confirmed. The school said information on memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.

Former players have also been sharing their memories of the man. Gabe McDonald, who played under Coleman, posted photos of them together on X. His tribute focused on the opportunity he was given…

‘Only coach that believed in me and gave me the chance to live out my dream of playing D1 ball, an opportunity I’m forever grateful for,’ he wrote. ‘Fly high, Coach Coleman. You’ll be truly missed’.

Chris Robinson, UAPB’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, highlighted the same theme. ‘Coach Coleman represented everything we strive for at UAPB excellence, integrity, and a relentless commitment to developing our student-athletes,’ he said.

‘His legacy is not only written in championships and honours, but in the lives he changed every single day.’

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My kids tell me this is the BEST toad in the hole ever. They preferred it with cheddar sprinkled over the top rather than Stilton, but you could use either, or indeed any similar cheese (just not Parmesan types, that’s too hard).

You can make this in a roasting tin or ovenproof pan, and serve at the table straight from the vessel. Choose good-quality sausages for the best result.

Requires at least 30 minutes of resting time

Ted Lasso has unveiled the first teaser for its season four return, after two years away from our Apple TV screens.

The schmaltzy football dramedy returns this August, with Jason Sudeikis and his handlebar moustache back as the eponymous Ted, who returns to Blighty to coach the Greyhound women’s team.

The teaser is the first look at what this upheaval in the show’s premise will look like, with the Richmond FC locker-room of men, including fan favourites like Jamie Tartt, swapped out for a new cast of women players.

The teaser is set to the folksy tune of Marcus Mumford’s vocals, which is no surprise given the Mumford and Sons frontman croons over the show’s title sequence. 

Given it’s a teaser rather than a fully-fledged trailer, the one-minute clip is mostly vibes-based, but shows that the faces of the first three seasons of Ted Lasso are likely in store for more of the show’s earnest brand of good feeling.

All the main cast is there: Hannah Waddingham as club owner Rebecca, Brett Goldstein as the gruffly-spoken Roy Kent, Juno Temple as his maybe other half Keeley and Jeremy Swift as the inimitable Leslie. 

The trio of Richmond’s pint-sinking number one fans give a round of applause at a maybe-press conference. 

The women’s team lines up and runs for a series on drills on the pitch, with newcomer Tanya Reynolds on board as a coach alongside Ted and Coach Beard (Brendan Hunt). Rebecca and Ted’s (recast) son Henry cheer on Richmond from the heavily merchandised stands.

Having returned from the US, we see Ted walking from the quaint streets of Richmond, where he’s approached by a fan (wearing his Richmond scarf, which seems to be locally mandated attire in those parts).

‘Welcome back coach,’ says the fan. ‘Too bad you’re coaching a bunch of girls.’ Oof! Looks like we’re tackling sexism this season. The eternal optimist Ted doesn’t look fazed. 

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How will this season follow on from season 3?

Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take…

Ted Lasso purists won’t want to hear this, but the last time this show was on the air, it was dreadful.

The season finale, which for a time looked like it would be the series conclusion, was like a strange CGI-looking fever dream I’ve been trying to forget ever since.

Remember Coach Beard’s wedding? No? Good for you.

I, like many, found Ted Lasso in the midst of a manic pandemic state. It was like discovering a sweet, better place I could leave my house to travel to.

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But by the third season, it was bloated with too many storylines, preachy with its need to tell us all how to live our lives and did a huge disservice to favs like Keeley.

The show had outstayed its wholesome welcome and seemed to know it. Ted was sent packing back to the US like he needed a time-out.

But now this jewel in the Apple TV mantle returns with what seems to be renewed focus and, better yet, new ideas.

Ted has been freed from the US (I can’t imagine his brand of niceness fits in over there anymore) and returns to Richmond to take on what has been touted as his ‘biggest challenge yet’: coaching a second division women’s football team.

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(The men’s team weren’t easy to turn into a winning side, but okay.)

The official synopsis reads: ‘Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.’

We haven’t got a load to go on with just a teaser, but a huge shake-up of the cast and focus is encouraging.

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This is huge news: Rebecca is seen kissing the incredibly charming Dutch boat guy, who she spent a magical evening with while the team played away in Amsterdam. Hurrah! 

Roy, sat next to Keeley in an SUV, smashes through the skylight window with a (checks notes) black stiletto. Okay… Ted laughs with a maybe-love interest. Rebecca has herself a drink. Ted and Coach Beard attend what looks like some postdramatic theatre. The score swells.

And last of all, Ted sits in Rebecca’s office with Leslie and Keeley (can’t see any biscuits in sight) and delivers a string of acronyms, while still managing to say ‘pretty please’. 

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As for the nitty-gritty of how all of this folds together, we’ll have to wait for a full trailer.

Ted Lasso season 4 will be available to stream on Apple TV from August 5.

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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