Gorka Marquez has revealed that despite his glittering career, he often struggles with juggling that and his family life. The professional dancer joined the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and over the years has been partnered with the likes of Alexandra Burke , Katie Piper, Maisie Smith and Helen Skelton. But while the dancer may appear the picture of happiness at work, he admits that it can be difficult when it comes to juggling his family life and career. "Let's be honest, it's not easy," he exclusively told the Mirror before explaining: "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. "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." Away from the dance floor, the Spanish native admits the show completely changed his life. Just one year after he joined the show, he met former Hollyoaks star Gemma Atkinson , who was partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec. The couple went on to become engaged and now share two children, daughter Mia, six, and son Thaigo, who is two this year. "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 exclusively told us. He added: "It could be but in my case, it's beyond that. "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. "Strictly is the best show on telly, who doesn't love Strictly?" Gorka continued: "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." Through fits of laughter, Gorka said: "The dancers are incredible, especially the Spanish one – he's so good!" This year, Gorka is making his Soccer Aid debut playing for World XI – which he teased could cause some rivalry as his fiancée Gemma is a celebrity supporter for the England team. "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 said. He went on to say growing up, football was his main love and to now be able to play alongside some of his footballing idols at Old Trafford is a "dream come true." Aiming big, Gorka wants Roberto Carlos on his team. "He is from Brazil so he could play on my team," he joked. He went on to explain that growing up, he had the number three on his football shirts - the same number which he will be playing with on June 15. He said: "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 ." But, if Beckham did appear on the line-up, Gorka admits he wouldn't be able to contain himself. "I would probably be fan-girling like 'Come on David,' I would let him score." Now, Gorka lives just down the road from Old Trafford and admits he cannot contain his excitement to step out onto the pitch. Speaking from Manchester's Hotel Football overlooking the Theatre of Dreams, he said: "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." But Gorka admits he wishes Gemma was playing so he could play against her – "I would be tackling her all the time," he laughed. Since Soccer Aid kicked off in 2006, over £100 million has been raised for UNICEF, which is part of Gorka's decision to sign up for the game. "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 said. He continued: "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. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .