Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has revealed why she chose to keep her departure from the show a secret from her fellow professional dancers. The 44-year-old, who left the BBC series after 14 years, said she feared their reaction would make her decision even harder.
Emotional Departure After 14 Years
In March, it was confirmed that Karen was among several professionals leaving in a major cast shake-up. Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, were the first reported to have been axed, followed by Nadiya Bychkova, 36. Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, have reportedly been benched and will not receive celebrity partners when the show returns.
Initially, reports suggested Karen had also been axed, but she later released a statement confirming she had chosen to step away and begin a new chapter. Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “It was very emotional, but it did feel like I was ready to get my teeth stuck into other projects and continue evolving.”
Why She Kept It Secret
Karen explained that she only told her tightest circle about her decision, deliberately keeping it from her fellow pros. She shared: “I didn’t say anything because I know it would have been hard for them to digest and they’d have been like, ‘No, definitely no, not you’.”
When she finally announced her exit via Instagram in March, she was overwhelmed by the response. “I’ve never felt such an outpouring of love. So many people were reaching out to me, and just being so kind,” she said.
Reflecting on Her Strictly Journey
Looking back, Karen recalled her famous dance partners, including the late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers and pop star Will Young. “I learned so much from every single celebrity that I came across,” she said, describing her exit as “about growth” and “a beautiful decision that came from a good place in my heart.”
In her emotional Instagram video, a tearful Karen explained: “It’s the right time to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas I’m passionate about. Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher but as a human being.”
She thanked fans for their support, saying: “I’m so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles.”
BBC Pays Tribute
Following her announcement, the BBC released a statement: “We would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to Karen Hauer for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing over the last 14 years. As the longest-serving female professional dancer in the history of the show, Karen has given so much of herself and her time to the programme.”
In a follow-up video, Karen addressed fans again: “I’ve been reading your messages, and, honestly, I am absolutely overwhelmed, in the best kind of way. There is so much kindness out there, and I almost don’t know what to do with it all.”
She added: “I’m extremely proud of myself. Like, ‘OK, kid, you’re doing alright!’ So thank you for that, for your energy, your warmth, your support; it really stays with me.”
Cast Shake-Up Continues
Karen’s exit comes amid a period of upheaval for the popular BBC competition, with the broadcaster reportedly keen to revamp the show. Gorka also said he left of his own accord, telling Instagram followers he had “decided that now is the time to hang up my dance shoes and say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.”
Meanwhile, Michelle told The Sun she had been axed in a 30-minute video call, during which she burst into tears. “It felt like my world was falling apart, my dream was shattered,” she said. Luba seemingly confirmed her exit via social media, thanking the show for “the amazing opportunities and unforgettable memories.” Nadiya hinted her journey isn’t over, teasing that she looks forward to “being part of the Strictly world for many years to come.”
New Hosts Announced
It was recently announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe will take over as hosts, replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. Johannes, 39, who joined as a professional dancer in 2018, said: “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.”
