Strictly's Karen Hauer Reveals Heartbreaking Relationship Insight After Show Struggles
As the longest-serving professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Hauer has become a familiar face on the cherished BBC programme since her arrival in 2012. The Venezuelan-American Latin dance maestro, now 43, has undoubtedly experienced both the exhilarating highs and challenging lows that accompany life in the spotlight. However, in a recent candid interview, she shed light on a painful lesson she has "unfortunately" learned through her time in the public eye.
The Unseen Impact of Fame
Karen Hauer admitted that when she first joined Strictly Come Dancing, she was largely unaware of what it truly meant to be part of such a wildly popular television show. She tackled the initial whirlwind by striving to remain as "grounded" as possible, but the realities of fame soon became apparent. The dancer, who has been married three times and is now in a relationship with partner Simon Davidson following her separation from former husband Jordan Wynn Jones in 2022, noted that her relationships have been "very public" and that you simply "can't hide" from the relentless gaze of the public eye.
Speaking on the Why Dance Matters podcast, Karen reflected on a previous belief that "bad or good publicity" was ultimately still beneficial publicity. She explained, "It's that thing that you become so thick-skinned and so...but it starts affecting you. And it starts affecting you behind closed doors, and what people don't see." This insight reveals the hidden emotional toll that constant media attention can exact, even on seasoned performers.
Struggles with Identity and Relationships
Karen continued to elaborate on how public scrutiny seeped into her personal life, stating, "And it affects your relationships and affects the way that you function outside of what you're used to. I don't really mind about what people say to me or about me. I always say that it doesn't affect me in any way." She described a coping mechanism she has developed, emphasising, "It's not going to affect my life in any way, unless I actually read into it more, if I feed into it more. So, the less I read, the less I hear, the more I'm into my own thing, and I'm just following my own path."
However, she acknowledged that this wisdom came with time and experience, revealing, "But, unfortunately, I learned that just about a year ago, you know?" Karen also touched on the difficulty of maintaining a sense of self amidst fame, noting that it takes time to "kinda find who you are" because there are "so many versions of you out there." This poignant admission highlights the identity struggles that can accompany life in the limelight.
A Tribute to a Lost Colleague
In a separate but related emotional moment, Karen recently paid tribute to her former Strictly Come Dancing colleague Robin Windsor on the anniversary of his death. February marked two years since the professional dancer was found dead, aged 44, at a hotel in Shepherd's Bush, west London, in 2024. Earlier this month, an inquest jury concluded that he sadly took his own life, with jurors citing that he was "vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally," which was described as among the "contributing factors."
Karen posted a photograph of the two of them on Instagram, writing on her Story, "Will miss you always..." Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who partnered with Robin on Strictly, also shared a heartfelt tribute, posting, "Love you, miss you, will never ever forget you, your legacy lives on, because we will make sure your sparkle still shines.. It's quieter for you over the rainbow #anniversary #today #twoyearsago #love #bestfriend." She included a mention of the charity @charitysane, noting it as an incredible organisation that truly understands mental health struggles.
For emotional support, individuals can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person, or go to the Samaritans website.
Fans can next catch Karen Hauer on Richard Osman's House of Games on Monday, February 23, from 6pm to 6.30pm, where she will undoubtedly bring her characteristic energy and resilience to the screen.
