Strictly Come Dancing Axes Longest-Serving Female Pro Karen Hauer in Major Shake-Up
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have made the dramatic decision to drop professional dancer Karen Hauer from the hit BBC series, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. The 43-year-old star, who joined the show in 2012, is the latest cast member to be sensationally axed, with insiders suggesting the entire professional dancer lineup could be facing a comprehensive overhaul.
End of an Era for Strictly Veteran
Karen Hauer, who has performed on Strictly Come Dancing for 13 years as its longest-serving female professional, was informed of the decision in recent days. This development follows the earlier departures of fellow professionals Nadiya Bychkova (36), Michelle Tsiakkas (30), Luba Mushtuk (36), and Gorka Márquez (35), with sources indicating that all professional dancers are already aware of their fates for the upcoming series.
One insider revealed: '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.'
Emotional Aftermath and Future Prospects
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 appears to be continuing, with indications that Aljaž Škorjanec will likely not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have reportedly been given approval to remain with the show.
Karen Hauer's Strictly Journey
Throughout her tenure on Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Hauer demonstrated remarkable versatility as both a dancer and choreographer. Her most recent celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, while previous seasons saw her paired with former footballer Paul Merson and comedian Eddie Kadi in 2023.
In 2022, she showcased her innovative choreography skills by performing with comic Jayde Adams, following Katya Jones who became the first female professional to perform in a same-sex pairing on the show. Other notable celebrity partners included Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer and TOWIE's Mark Wright, one of the first reality stars signed to the programme.
Despite her long-standing commitment to the series, Karen never secured the coveted glitterball trophy, though she did reach the final with Mark Wright in 2014.
Personal Life and Professional Transitions
Karen was previously married to former Strictly professional Kevin Clifton, with their marriage ending after three years. Remarkably, the pair continued to work together professionally on the show following their split. After their separation, Kevin met documentary-maker Stacey Dooley when they competed and won Strictly in December 2018, and the couple now share a daughter named Minnie.
Karen has since moved on to a new relationship with personal trainer Simon Davidson, while maintaining her professional focus on choreography and fitness.
Broader Strictly Shake-Up
The current professional dancer overhaul follows last year's departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly from the series. Sources suggest that programme bosses are aiming for a complete fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.
Elsewhere in the lineup, Neil Jones (43), who has rarely been assigned a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu (34). It's believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers, while professionals including Nadiya, Gorka, Luba, Michelle, and now Karen have been completely removed from the lineup.
The Daily Mail has contacted Karen Hauer's spokesperson for comment regarding her departure from the long-running BBC dance competition.
