Karen Hauer’s long run on Strictly Come Dancing has come to a dramatic end after bosses decided not to renew her contract, marking one of the biggest shake-ups the beloved BBC dance show has seen in years.
The 43-year-old professional dancer — who joined the series in 2012 and became its longest-serving female pro — has reportedly been informed that she will not be returning for the next series. Her departure comes as part of what insiders describe as a sweeping overhaul of the professional dancer line-up.
According to sources close to the production, the decision was delivered to Karen only recently. One insider explained that Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year. The source added that the situation reflects a clear shift in direction for the show, saying 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.
Her exit follows a string of other departures already confirmed behind the scenes. Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez have also reportedly been dropped from the programme as producers plan a major reset.
Another insider described the situation as difficult for many of the dancers who have dedicated years to the show. The source said it’s an awful fate for the professional dancers who have built their careers around Strictly. Karen was understandably very upset when she received the news but is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and can now focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.
While several pros are leaving, others appear to be staying. Sources suggest Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have been given the green light to return, while it is increasingly uncertain whether Aljaž Škorjanec will appear in the next series.
Karen’s final celebrity partner on the show was Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. In previous seasons she danced with former footballer Paul Merson and comedian Eddie Kadi. One of her most memorable partnerships came in 2014 when she reached the final alongside TOWIE star Mark Wright, though she never managed to win the coveted Strictly glitterball trophy during her 13-year tenure.
Throughout her time on the show, Karen also showcased her skills as a choreographer. In 2022 she performed alongside comedian Jayde Adams, continuing the show’s push for more diverse pairings following Katya Jones’ historic same-sex partnership.
Away from the dance floor, Karen’s personal life has also attracted attention. She was previously married to fellow Strictly professional Kevin Clifton, but the pair split after three years. Despite their divorce, they continued to work together on the show. Kevin later went on to win Strictly in 2018 with documentary maker Stacey Dooley, with whom he now shares a daughter, Minnie.
Karen has since moved on and is now in a relationship with personal trainer Simon Davidson.
The sweeping changes to the show come after another major shake-up last year when long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly stepped down. Insiders say the BBC is keen to refresh the format after years of criticism and controversy surrounding the programme.
Meanwhile, some familiar faces will remain on the show but in a reduced capacity. Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are both expected to appear in group dance numbers but may not be paired with celebrity partners this season.
With several long-standing professionals already gone and more changes rumoured, the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic resets in the show’s history.
