Karen Hauer Announces Emotional Departure from Strictly Come Dancing
Karen Hauer, the Venezuelan-American professional dancer, has confirmed her exit from Strictly Come Dancing in a tearful video announcement shared on Instagram. The 43-year-old, who has been a fixture on the BBC show for 14 years, revealed she is stepping away to focus on other projects, ending her record-breaking run as the longest-serving female professional in the programme's history.
An Emotional Farewell to a Beloved Show
In her emotional video message posted on Saturday, Hauer struggled to contain her emotions as she reflected on her journey from "a young girl from the Bronx" to becoming a mainstay of British television. The announcement comes amid recent speculation about her future following rumours of a mass cull of professional dancers from the popular competition series.
"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," Hauer stated through tears. "Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being."
A Legacy of Memorable Partnerships and Performances
During her emotional address, Hauer expressed profound gratitude to the many people who contributed to her Strictly experience. She specifically thanked:
- The incredible celebrity partners who became close friends
- The dedicated fans who supported her from her earliest days in the UK
- The entire production team including hair, makeup, wardrobe, and camera crews
- Her fellow professional dancers whom she described as "the best in the business"
- Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
- The judging panel with whom she shared the ballroom
"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," she reflected. "None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans."
BBC Pays Tribute to Hauer's Remarkable Contribution
The BBC responded to Hauer's announcement with an official statement praising her significant impact on the show. Executive Producer Sarah James expressed the corporation's appreciation for Hauer's 14-year tenure, highlighting her unique contributions to the programme.
"We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Karen Hauer for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the last 14 years," the statement read. "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."
The BBC tribute 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."
Looking Forward to New Beginnings
Despite the emotional nature of her departure, Hauer emphasized that this represents a new beginning rather than a final farewell. She recalled joining the show 14 years ago alongside legends like Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman, acknowledging how much she had learned from such experienced professionals throughout her tenure.
"Now this isn't a goodbye, it's simply see you later, because I will never stop dancing," Hauer declared. "Who would have thought that a young girl from the Bronx... would end up becoming the longest serving female professional dancer on a British TV institution? Strictly will always be in my heart."
The BBC statement concluded with warm wishes for Hauer's future endeavors: "We can’t wait to see where her next chapter takes her." Her departure marks the end of an era for Strictly Come Dancing, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and partnerships that have delighted audiences for over a decade.
