Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has made a quiet return to social media following the shock news that her contract with the BBC show will not be renewed. The 43-year-old, who joined the series in 2012, is reported to be 'distraught' after learning of her departure, which comes amid a wider cull of professional dancers from the programme.
Low-Key Social Media Comeback
In her first posts since the announcement, Karen shared casual, makeup-free snaps with her dogs, Joey and Marley, while wearing a dressing gown and slippers. The images showed her enjoying coffee and cuddles with her furry companions, captioned: 'Joey & Marley working the camera. Too early for Phoebe and I to be bothered.' This understated return contrasts sharply with the high-energy performances she delivered on Strictly over the years.
Fan Outrage and Support
While Karen has yet to publicly comment on her axing, fans have flooded her social media with messages of support and criticism towards the show's producers. One fan lamented: 'So sorry Karen, loved seeing you on Strictly over the years,' while another declared: 'That's it. No more Strictly for me without you. Can't possibly understand why they're letting you go.'
Further comments highlighted disappointment, with one stating: 'Very disappointed to read the news, you and Gorka are utterly joyful. Sending much love and hope the news is wrong. Another mess up by the Beeb IMHO.' Others questioned the decision, with a fan asking: 'I just saw the news. Legit question, has someone behind the scenes of strictly had a sudden mental breakdown and now they are sacking everyone?'
Wider Strictly Shake-Up
Karen's departure is part of a broader restructuring at Strictly Come Dancing, following the axing of fellow professionals Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35. Insiders reveal that all professional dancers have been informed of their fates for the upcoming series.
One source told Daily Mail: 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year. It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.'
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
A second source added: 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show. Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.'
The shake-up also sees uncertainty for other dancers, with Aljaž Škorjanec unlikely to return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed to stay. Karen's versatility was showcased in recent series, dancing with celebrity partners such as Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former footballer Paul Merson, and comedian Eddie Kadi. In 2022, she performed with comic Jayde Adams, following Katya Jones as one of the first female pros in a same-sex pairing.
This move by BBC bosses has sparked debate among viewers and industry observers, raising questions about the direction of the long-running entertainment show and its treatment of veteran performers.
