Karen Hauer, Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional, says should couldn’t have coped with the news her time on the show was coming to an end without her beloved dogs
Long-serving Karen Hauer has described her sudden Strictly Come Dancing departure as “terribly stressful”.
It is rumoured that the the 43-year-old had been axed a ballroom ‘bloodbath’, which has seen a number of long-standing professionals reportedly kicked off the show. Karen had suggested that it was her choice to leave, but her latest comments hint at a traumatic time.
She says she couldn’t have coped with the stress and heartbreak of losing her Strictly job without her four beloved dogs and speaking at the LitPet Sunday Dog Social event in London yesterday, the Venezuelan–American knows what helped keep her smiling.
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Karen said: “It’s been a terribly stressful time, and my four dogs have really helped me get through it. What’s just happened is part of life and the stresses that go with it. My dogs really feel it when I’m stressed and they have really helped me get through this.”
Other pros reportedly leaving before the start of the 2026 series include Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Karen broke down in tears as she spoke about her 14-year stint on the show, which made her the longest-serving female dancer on Strictly.
Addressing her fans directly to confirm the news , she said: “Hey everyone, I’ve got something to tell you. It’s a tough one, but here we go.
“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. Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners. Who have become close friends and people I admire so much.”
She added: “None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans. You’ve been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into.
“I’m so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles. I’m gonna miss everyone who makes the show possible. From hair, makeup, wardrobe, the crew behind the cameras, lighting, production, and staging, the runners, Dave Arch, and the band, the singers, and the producers and welfare team who take such good care of us.”
Sarah James, executive producer at Strictly, said in a statement: “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, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance.
“She has captivated audiences with her talent, warmth and genuine love of dance and has been responsible for some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen.
“We thank her for all these memorable moments and for her incredible work ethic. Her professionalism and sense of humour shine through everything she achieves and we can’t wait to see where her next chapter takes her.”
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