Karen Hauer Departs Strictly Come Dancing After 14 Years
Professional dancer Karen Hauer has confirmed her departure from the much-loved BBC show, Strictly Come Dancing, after a remarkable 14-year tenure. The 43-year-old, who was the longest-serving female professional dancer on the program, announced the news via Instagram, stating that she is ready to pursue new passions. Her exit follows weeks of speculation and rumours about a significant shake-up of the professional dancer lineup for the upcoming 2026 season.
Hauer, who joined the Strictly family in 2012, expressed profound gratitude for her time on the show, describing it as life-changing and a privilege that allowed her to connect with “so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who have become close friends.”
In a heartfelt video message, Hauer shared, “After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.” She reminisced about her early days on the show, recalling joining with legendary hosts Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman, and the invaluable lessons learned from them.
Hauer also affectionately addressed current hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, playfully suggesting they might now have more time for “ladies who lunch in the autumn.” Becoming emotional, she reflected on her journey from “a young girl from the Bronx” to becoming the longest-serving female professional dancer on a British television institution. She concluded her message with a touching sign-off: “Strictly will always be in my heart. I love you all.”
Cast and Crew React to Hauer’s Departure
The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and support from her Strictly co-stars. Many dancers, some of whom are also rumoured to be leaving the show, shared their well-wishes in the comments section.
- Luba Mushtuk, who is reportedly also being dropped, commented, “So proud of you bb ❤️❤️❤️.”
- Michelle Tsiakkas described Hauer as “an icon ❤️ love you!”
- Gorka Marquez, another dancer rumoured to be leaving, posted, “love you Chamita,” adding a quote from Bad Bunny.
- Nadiya Bychkova, who is thought to be “distraught” after her rumoured exit, simply left three white hearts.
- Nancy Xu, while reportedly returning but without a celebrity partner, wrote, “I love you Mamasitaaaaa!!! And you are super powerful women💓.”
- Neil Jones is also rumoured to be in a similar position to Nancy Xu.
- Judge Motsi Mabuse sent her love, saying, “Love you dear all the best.”
- Rylan Clark, a contender for the hosting role, expressed how much Hauer will be missed: “You’re amazing and you’re gonna be missed so much xxx ❤️.”
Karen Hauer’s Strictly Journey and Legacy
Throughout her 14 seasons on Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Hauer was partnered with a variety of celebrities, including:
- Ainsley Harriott
- Dave Myers
- Chris Ramsay
- Jayde Adams (in a same-sex partnership in 2022)
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (in the 2025 series)
Her partnership with Jayde Adams in 2022 marked a significant moment, as they were the first same-sex couple to compete. Hauer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey finished ninth in the 2025 series and subsequently participated in the Strictly nationwide tour.
Sarah James, executive producer of Strictly, released a statement acknowledging Hauer’s “incredible contribution” over the years. She praised Hauer for her “passion, creativity, and dedication,” highlighting her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and “genuine love of dance.” James added that Hauer was responsible for “some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen.”
A Wider Shake-Up at Strictly Come Dancing
Insiders suggest that Hauer’s departure is part of a larger “shake-up” and a desire for a “fresh start” at Strictly. This comes after a period marked by various scandals and negative press, including investigations into bullying and drug use.
“Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years, and create a new era,” a source revealed. This indicates that major changes are underway, with dancers currently in meetings regarding their contracts.
The professional dancer lineup announcement for the upcoming series is now eagerly awaited by viewers, many of whom have expressed their disappointment and anger regarding the rumoured axings.
The Impact on Other Dancers
The rumoured departures are reportedly having a significant emotional toll on the affected dancers.
- Luba Mushtuk, who joined the show in 2018, is said to be “devastated” and has effectively “gone into hiding,” refusing to take calls. A source described her situation: “Luba is absolutely devastated. Strictly has been her life for years, and she genuinely believed she would be back.” The insider added that her exit was “wasn’t about wrongdoing or performance’ but instead proof of the ‘brutal reality of TV’.”
- Nadiya Bychkova, a Ukrainian star who joined in 2017, is also reportedly feeling the impact, having allegedly “fallen out of favour” with the show’s bosses.
A BBC spokesperson, when contacted, stated that plans for the upcoming series of Strictly “would be announced in due course.”
