On the dance floor of “Dancing with the Stars,” Chris Marques plays the role of a strict judge, feared for his meticulous critiques. However, behind the scenes, the choreographer has been sharing a strong love story with British dancer Jaclyn Spencer since 1997. This partner, both on stage and off, intrigues fans of the TF1 show who rarely see her on screen.
Engaged since 2007 and parents to a son, Jackson, born on October 18, 2016, Chris Marques and Jaclyn Spencer have built a close-knit duo between international competitions, choreographies, and personal challenges. Media-shy, she continues to work as a dancer, coach, and choreographer in the UK, while remaining a central support for the judge. A portrait of the woman who has chosen to stay in the shadows while steering Chris Marques’ life.
Jaclyn Spencer, Chris Marques’ wife who is rarely seen on screen
Originally from Britain, Jaclyn Spencer initially focused on couple dancing, ultimately becoming a world champion before meeting Chris Marques. Together, they went on to win world, European, and English salsa championships in 2004, a list of accomplishments that exemplifies the standards demanded by the TF1 judge on the “Dancing with the Stars” stage.
When not by her partner’s side in France, Jaclyn mainly works as a choreographer and coach in England, away from the cameras. Officially engaged since 2007, the couple has not married, although many media outlets still refer to her as Chris Marques’ wife.
Their story began in 1997 at a dance competition in Blackpool, where Jaclyn shone in standard dance while Chris made a name for himself in Latin dances. At the time, both were in relationships and chose to become partners. Over the years, their professional partnership transitioned into a romantic relationship, both on the dance floor and at home.
Behind the glitter, the couple faced a major challenge when Chris Marques was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999 after years of intense pain and fevers. The dancer continued to compete while hiding this battle from those around him. During those years, Jaclyn Spencer stood by his side, remaining discreet about their struggles. Chris Marques explained in an episode of a TV show, “Our best friends didn’t know. We didn’t want others or the industry to dictate our careers and lives. When people start seeing you as sick, they decide for you. If my wife had given up everything, if I had slept on the street, it wasn’t to let a disease determine our fate.”
