Karen Hauer has described her sudden departure from Strictly Come Dancing as 'terribly stressful', as she opened up about the emotional toll of leaving the show after 14 years. The 43-year-old Venezuelan-American dancer, who was the longest-serving female professional on the programme, credited her four dogs for helping her cope with the heartbreak.
Speaking at the LitPet Sunday Dog Social event in London, Hauer said: 'It's been a terribly stressful time, and my four dogs have really helped me get through it. 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.'
Hauer's exit is part of a reported 'bloodbath' that has seen several long-standing professionals, including Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas, also leave the show ahead of the 2026 series. While Hauer initially suggested her departure was a personal decision, her latest comments hint at a more difficult process.
In a video message to fans, Hauer confirmed the news, saying: '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. Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being.' She expressed gratitude to fans, celebrity partners, and the production team, adding: 'I'm gonna miss everyone who makes the show possible.'
Sarah James, executive producer at Strictly, paid tribute to Hauer, stating: '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... We thank her for all these memorable moments and for her incredible work ethic.'
