Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer has confirmed she is leaving the BBC dance competition after 14 years. The 43-year-old Venezuelan-American dancer, the show's longest-serving female pro, shared the news in an emotional Instagram video.
Hauer said it was the 'right time' to close her Strictly chapter and pursue new projects in areas she is passionate about. She described the show as having 'completely changed' her life, moving to the UK for the programme with 'no idea what I was getting myself into'.
The dancer expressed gratitude for the welfare staff and her celebrity partners, including the late Hairy Bikers chef Dave Myers and Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing. She also recalled working with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman.
Hauer's exit follows reports that several other professionals, including Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Nadiya Bychkova, have been told they will not return for the 2026 series. The BBC thanked Hauer for her 'incredible contribution' and 'passion, creativity and dedication'.
