Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer Reveals Stress Over Axings After Exit Announcement
Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer has candidly discussed the emotional strain caused by recent axings from the BBC flagship show, following her own confirmed departure. The Venezuelan-born dancer, aged 43, joined the program in 2012 and became its longest-serving professional after Anton Du Beke transitioned to a judging role.
A Storied Career on the Dance Floor
During her tenure, Karen partnered with a variety of celebrities, including Simon Rimmer, Eddie Kadi, Jayde Adams, Chris Ramsey, and most recently, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Although she never clinched the coveted Glitterball Trophy, she reached the final in 2014 with Mark Wright, cementing her status as a fan favorite. Her announcement on Saturday that it felt like 'the right time to close this chapter and take on new projects' resonated deeply with viewers, who had anticipated sad news amid reports of a 'mass cull' of professionals.
Other dancers reportedly affected by the shake-up include Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Márquez, and Michelle Tsiakkas, with sources describing the period as 'awful' for those involved. Karen addressed the situation publicly for the first time, admitting it has been 'terribly stressful and emotional', while highlighting the support of her four rescue dogs, particularly Marley, who accompanied her at a recent London event.
Personal Coping Mechanisms and Future Prospects
'My dogs really feel it when I'm stressed, and they have really helped me get through this,' Karen shared, according to the Daily Mail. Despite the upheaval, she remains optimistic about her future, focusing on her work as a choreographer and in the fitness industry. Sources close to her noted that she was 'obviously very upset' about her contract not being renewed but is keen to 'remain positive about the future'.
The fallout has extended beyond Karen, with Michelle Tsiakkas withdrawing from the Professionals Live Tour, Luba Mushtuk reportedly 'gone into hiding', and Nadiya Bychkova described as 'distraught'. Insiders suggest the show is undergoing a significant transformation, with a shift toward 'out with the old and in with the new'. While Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe are said to have secured their spots, Aljaž Škorjanec's return remains uncertain, and Nancy Xu and Neil Jones may be 'benched' for the 2026 season, limiting their roles to group performances.
Broader Changes and Speculation
This year marks a period of transition for Strictly Come Dancing, following the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in December. The BBC has yet to announce their replacements, but speculation is rife, with a shortlist of potential presenters including Zoe Ball, Alison Hammond, Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, Emma Willis, Fleur East, and Angela Scanlon. Executives are reportedly seeking a 'shake-up' to rejuvenate the show after various scandals, with chemistry tests for new hosts delayed until April.
A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on specific details, stating that plans for the upcoming series will be revealed 'in due course'. As the show navigates these changes, fans and professionals alike are left reflecting on the emotional impact of the axings, with Karen Hauer's openness shedding light on the personal toll behind the scenes.
