Karen Hauer speaks out after ‘stressful and emotional’ Strictly departure and details her coping mechanisms over heartbreaking axe

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Karen Hauer, who has been a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing for the longest amount of time, has described being let go from the show as a ‘very stressful and emotional‘ experience.

I’m absolutely gutted! They’ve gotten rid of my favorite dancer, she’s 43 and just incredible, as part of this massive clear-out at the BBC. It’s a total bloodbath, honestly! People are saying they’re going to replace all the professional dancers – all of them! I can’t believe it, it’s devastating!

Karen and her dog Marley, one of her four rescue pets, went to a dog social event hosted by LitPet on Sunday. The event was held at the stylish 180 House, located on London’s Strand, and Karen often shares photos of her dogs online.

She described the recent changes in her career as incredibly difficult, both emotionally and mentally. She shared that her four dogs were a huge source of support during this challenging period, and acknowledged that setbacks are simply a part of life.

Karen explained that her dogs are sensitive to her feelings and have been a great source of support during a difficult time. She said they clearly pick up on her stress and have helped her cope.

Earlier this month, news came out that Karen was let go by the show’s executives after being a cast member for 13 years.

The announcement followed cuts to the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers, with Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Márquez all leaving the show. Sources say the dancers already knew these changes were coming.

According to a source, Karen is the most recent professional dancer informed that her contract won’t be extended this year.

It’s time for a fresh start on Strictly. After many years as one of the show’s professional dancers, Karen learned last week that she won’t be returning.

Another source said it’s heartbreaking for the professional dancers who have spent their careers performing on the show.

Karen was clearly distressed by the news, but she’s determined to stay optimistic. She’s a choreographer and plans to dedicate herself to her work, alongside her existing fitness career.

It seems very probable that Aljaž Škorjanec won’t be back, but Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe are confirmed to be returning.

Karen’s most recent dance partner on the show was Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his role in ‘Gladiator.’ Before that, she partnered with former footballer Paul Merson, and in 2023, she danced with comedian Eddie Kadi.

In 2022, she demonstrated her range as a choreographer by collaborating with comedian Jayde Adams. This followed Katya Jones’ groundbreaking performance as the first female professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing to perform in a same-sex partnership.

Karen has also danced with TV personalities like Simon Rimmer, the host of Sunday Brunch, and Mark Wright, who was one of the earliest reality stars to compete on the show.

Karen has been dedicated to Strictly for years, but she hasn’t yet won the competition. She came closest in 2014, reaching the final with her partner Mark Wright.

Karen was once married to Kevin Clifton, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, but they divorced after three years. Even after their split, they continued to collaborate on the show.

Karen and her dog Marley recently enjoyed a relaxing and fun day at LitPet’s Sunday Dog Social, a wellness event created for dogs and their people. They fully participated in the special activities designed to help both of them de-stress.

Marley and her owner visited the wellness area, where Marley enjoyed a relaxing reiki session with specialist Yasmin, and even had her ‘fortune told’ with a dog tarot reading.

Stephen Hu, who founded LitPet, explained that they started the company because they noticed pet owners in cities needed simple, natural ways to help their animals stay healthy and happy.

Seeing Karen and her dog benefit from our supplements and holistic therapies today perfectly demonstrates why we created the Sunday Dog Social… It’s all about helping dogs find peace and calm.

‘It’s about building a supportive community for both dogs and their owners.’ 

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2026-03-23 12:57