Karen Hauer Reveals 'Terribly Stressful' Strictly Come Dancing Exit
Strictly Come Dancing's longest-serving female professional dancer Karen Hauer has opened up about her sudden departure from the hit BBC show, describing the experience as 'terribly stressful and emotional'. The Venezuelan-American performer, who spent 14 years on the programme, made her comments during the LitPet Sunday Dog Social event in London.
Emotional Toll of Departure
Hauer revealed that she couldn't have coped with the stress and heartbreak of leaving Strictly without the support of her four beloved dogs. "It's been a terribly stressful time, and my four dogs have really helped me get through it," she confessed. "What's just happened is part of life and the stresses that go with it. My dogs really feel it when I'm stressed and they have really helped me get through this."
The 43-year-old dancer broke down in tears while discussing her lengthy tenure on the show, which established her as the programme's longest-serving female professional. Her departure comes amid what has been described as a ballroom 'bloodbath', with several other long-standing professionals reportedly leaving before the 2026 series begins.
Other Professionals Departing
According to industry reports, other professionals leaving Strictly Come Dancing include:
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Gorka Marquez
- Luba Mushtuk
- Michelle Tsiakkas
This significant turnover among the professional dancer lineup marks one of the most substantial changes in the show's recent history.
Hauer's Official Statement
Addressing her fans directly to confirm her departure, Hauer stated: "Hey everyone, I've got something to tell you. It's a tough one, but here we go. After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I've decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I'm passionate about."
She continued: "Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends and people I admire so much."
Gratitude to Fans and Crew
Hauer expressed deep appreciation for the show's supporters and production team: "None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans. You've been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into. I'm so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles."
She added: "I'm gonna miss everyone who makes the show possible. From hair, makeup, wardrobe, the crew behind the cameras, lighting, production, and staging, the runners, Dave Arch, and the band, the singers, and the producers and welfare team who take such good care of us."
Executive Producer's Tribute
Sarah James, executive producer at Strictly Come Dancing, paid tribute to Hauer's contributions: "As the longest-serving female professional dancer in the history of the show, Karen has given so much of herself and her time to the programme, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance."
James continued: "She has captivated audiences with her talent, warmth and genuine love of dance and has been responsible for some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen. We thank her for all these memorable moments and for her incredible work ethic. Her professionalism and sense of humour shine through everything she achieves and we can't wait to see where her next chapter takes her."
Hauer's departure marks the end of an era for Strictly Come Dancing, with the show preparing to welcome new professional dancers for the 2026 series while bidding farewell to several familiar faces who have become integral to the programme's success over many seasons.
