Gorka Marquez, the Strictly Come Dancing sensation, has opened up about the challenges of balancing his dazzling career with family life. Since joining the hit BBC show in 2016, he's waltzed alongside stars like Alexandra Burke, Katie Piper, Maisie Smith, and Helen Skelton. Despite his success and joy on the dance floor, Gorka confesses that managing his professional and personal lives is no easy feat. Speaking candidly to the Mirror, he shared: "Let's be honest, it's not easy," before delving deeper into the matter: "It's about making the right choices. When I was in my 20s, it was just about me, me, me. It's easier because you kind of don't have anything to worry about more than yourself. When you have a partner and children, sometimes work is great. I always say, there's a difference between living for work and work for living." He continued, reflecting on his priorities: "Now when I work, I work for living and have a good life with my family and kids. The only thing we cannot get back is time. Time flies and kids grow up very quickly. It's about making the right choice, I'm saying no to things because as amazing as it could be, you need to work out if its worth it being that far away or for a long period of time away from the kids and miss so many things that will never come back. "You can find another job or make money somewhere else but sometimes, quality time and time with family is not worth half the price." The Spanish dancer opened up about how professionally transformative Strictly Come Dancing has been for him. Gorka still cherishes his first year on the show when he encountered ex-Hollyoaks celeb Gemma Atkinson, who danced with Aljaž Škorjanec. The pair later got engaged and are doting parents to Mia, aged six, and Thaigo, turning two. The star broke down his journey with Strictly to us, saying: "Strictly is one of those things that happens in the life of someone and you think it's a job and an opportunity for your career," Gorka divulged exclusively. "It could be but in my case, it's beyond that." He continued, revealing the profound impact it has had on his personal life: "I got the opportunity to do Strictly which led me to meet Gemma, which now means I have a beautiful family. We are happy together, we have two beautiful kids and Strictly's still part of my life, it's something that brought my job to meet Gemma and create a family. Without Strictly, I wouldn't be what I am now, professionally and personally – I'm very grateful." For Gorka, the dance competition holds a special place in his heart and he claims: "Strictly is the best show on telly, who doesn't love Strictly?" He elaborated: "It brings entertainment, music and dance and it also has a good story because every celebrity brings their own journey, their own story. Everyone can relate to any of those journeys – that's why this show is so successful and has been running for many years." Bursting with laughter, Gorka quipped: "The dancers are incredible, especially the Spanish one – he's so good!" He's all set for his Soccer Aid debut this year, playing for the World XI team, and cheekily hinted at a bit of friendly competition since his fiancée Gemma is rooting for the England squad. "I'm so excited, it's something I watch on the TV, it's a big opportunity to raise awareness and money for a good cause," Gorka shared. Reflecting on his childhood passion, he expressed how surreal it feels to play football alongside his idols at Old Trafford, calling it a "dream come true." Gorka has his sights set on having football legend Roberto Carlos join his side, jokingly noting that Carlos hails from Brazil and could be part of his team. He reminisced about wearing the number three on his football shirts as a child, the same number he'll sport on June 15, in homage to his hero Carlos. He recounted: "That was Roberto Carlos' number, he was a left back and I used to play left back. Funny story, it was the World Cup of 1998, I was eight-years-old, they were playing and lost against France, I asked my dad to shave my hair like Roberto Carlos. I went to the barbers and asked for the proper bald head, I wanted to be like Roberto Carlos. I'm a big fan of Manchester United, class of 92 was amazing. I think if I could play with them, I would probably play against them, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham." However, Gorka confessed that if Beckham were to join the line-up, he'd be unable to keep his excitement in check. "I would probably be fan-girling like 'Come on David,' I would let him score." Currently residing a stone's throw away from Old Trafford, Gorka can barely contain his thrill at the prospect of stepping onto the pitch. Speaking from Manchester's Hotel Football with a view of the Theatre of Dreams, he expressed: "Playing football in the Theatre of Dreams, I'm very excited to play in the stadium where I've watched players I idolise and support. I remember the first time that I stepped into Old Trafford, they allowed me to go to the bench and sit on the bench and be on the pitch. I was starstruck. "When you go to Old Trafford, even if you're not a fan of football, you appreciate the atmosphere, the passion and now to step onto the pitch and play, I bet someone will ask me to dance on the floor. I said if I score, I'm going to go to the corner and dance. I will do the dancing if I score. "I think I should wear sparkly underpants, if I score, I take them out and dance with someone. Anything to raise money for children." However, Gorka did admit that he wished his partner Gemma could join the game so he could compete against her – "I would be tackling her all the time," he chuckled. Since Soccer Aid's launch in 2006, over £100 million has been raised for UNICEF, which played a part in Gorka's decision to participate in the match. "That situation with children, when it comes to hunger or not having basic things like water, food and clothes, since I became a dad, it makes you appreciate it more," Gorka expressed. He went on to say: "For children to have a basic education, just a bed to sleep, somewhere to be warm. I think being part of this means a lot, I know how much it will help children. I know how vulnerable and sensitive children are, we need to take care of them. They are the future. "You see children suffering and struggling and it's not their fault, it's a consequence that they get dragged into it from bad choices and situations in their countries. They're so vulnerable, anything that we can do is good." The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, with adult tickets priced at £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets are available now on the Soccer Aid for UNICEF website.