Karen Hauer Reflects on Stressful Departure from Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancer, Karen Hauer, 43, describes her recent exit from the show as “stressful and emotional.” Sources indicate a major overhaul of the professional lineup, with several dancers informed their contracts will not renew.
Earlier this month, Hauer learned her 13-year tenure on the series has ended. Other professionals facing the same decision include Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35. Insiders note that all pros now know their status, signaling “out with the old and in with the new.”
Turning to Rescue Dogs for Support
At the recent LitPet Sunday Dog Social event at 180 House on London’s Strand, Hauer appeared with her rescue dog Marley, one of her four pups often featured on social media. She shared how her pets have been crucial during this challenging time.
“It’s been a terribly stressful and emotional time, and my four dogs have really helped me get through it,” Hauer stated. “What’s just happened is part of life and the stresses that go with it.” She added, “My dogs really feel it when I’m stressed, and they have really helped me get through this.”
Hauer and Marley enjoyed wellness activities, including a pet reiki session from practitioner Yasmin and a dog tarot reading in the dedicated zone.
Show Shake-Up and Future Prospects
One source close to the production explained, “Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.” Another highlighted her resilience: “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.”
Reports suggest Aljaž Škorjanec may not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have approval to stay.
Karen’s Strictly Legacy
Hauer’s final celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Previous pairings included footballer Paul Merson, comedian Eddie Kadi in 2023, and comic Jayde Adams in 2022. She also danced with Sunday Brunch host Simon Rimmer and TOWIE star Mark Wright, reaching the final in 2014—her closest brush with the Glitterball Trophy.
Hauer was once married to fellow pro Kevin Clifton; their three-year marriage ended, but they continued collaborating on the show.
LitPet Event Insights
Stephen Hu, founder of LitPet, commented on the event: “We created LitPet because we saw a need for natural, effective ways to support our pets’ wellbeing in busy urban environments. Having Karen here today, and seeing firsthand how our supplements and these holistic therapies can help dogs like hers find their calm, is exactly why we launched the Sunday Dog Social. It’s about building a supportive community for both dogs and their owners.”
