As the longest-serving Strictly Come Dancing pro, it’s safe to assume Karen is used to the ups and downs of the spotlight, but there’s something she’s “unfortunately” learned as a result
Strictly Come Dancing veteran Karen Hauer has opened up about something that she has “unfortunately” learned through her time in the spotlight. As the longest-serving professional dancer on the cherished BBC programme, the Venezuelan-American Latin dance maestro has undoubtedly experienced both the highs and lows that come with fame.
Having arrived in 2012, the 43-year-old says she was unaware of what it meant to be in such a popular show, but tackled it by trying to stay as “grounded” as possible.
Karen noted that she had “very public” relationships and that you “can’t hide” from the public eye. Despite this she also attempted to protect herself.
The dancer, who has been married three times, is now in a relationship with partner Simon Davidson following her separation from former husband Jordan Wynn Jones in 2022. She was previously married to fellow Strictly professional Kevin Clifton, before they split in 2018.
However, Karen admitted that she once believed “bad or good publicity” was ultimately still publicity. Speaking on the Why Dance Matters podcast, she reflected: “It’s that thing that you become so thick-skinned and so…but it starts affecting you. And it starts affecting you behind closed doors, and what people don’t see.”
Karen continued: “And it affects your relationships and affects the way that you function outside of what you’re used to. I don’t really mind about what people say to me or about me. I always say that it doesn’t affect me in any way.”
She went on to explain: “It’s not going to affect my life in any way, unless I actually read into it more, if I feed into it more. So, the less I read, the less I hear, the more I’m into my own thing, and I’m just following my own path.
“But, unfortunately, I learned that just about a year ago, you know?” She acknowledged it takes time to “kinda find who you are” because there are “so many versions of you out there”.
Meanwhile, Karen recently paid an emotional tribute on the anniversary of her former Strictly Come Dancing colleague Robin Windsor’s death.
February marks two years since the professional dancer was found dead, aged 44, at a hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, in 2024.
Earlier this month, an inquest jury concluded that he sadly took his own life, with jurors saying he was “vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally”, which was described as among the “contributing factors”.
Karen posted a photograph of the two of them on Instagram, writing on her Story: “Will miss you always…” Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who partnered with Robin on Strictly, also paid tribute.
She posted: “Love you, miss you, will never ever forget you, your legacy lives on, because we will make sure your sparkle still shines..
“It’s quieter for you over the rainbow #anniversary #today #twoyearsago #love #bestfriend. If you ever need help, @charitysane is an incredible charity who truly understands.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
You can next catch Karen on Richard Osman’s House of Games on Monday, February 23, from 6pm to 6.30pm.
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