Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has opened up about leaving the show after 14 years – and the reasons why she didn’t tell her co-stars in advance.
In March, it was confirmed that the Strictly professional, 44, was one of several stars leaving in a mass shake-up of the cast.
Gorka Marquez, 35, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, were the first reported to have been axed from the show.
This was then followed by Nadiya Bychkova, 36, while Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34, have reportedly also been ‘benched,’ and will not receive a celebrity partner when the show returns this year.
As for Karen, it was initially reported that she too had been axed – although she later released a statement confirming that she had chosen to ‘step away’ and begin a ‘new chapter’ of her life.
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Karen has now broken her silence over her departure from the show and the ‘outpouring of love’ from fans that followed.
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.’
Reflecting on her time with Strictly, she recalled her famous dance partners, including 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.’
She went on to say that she had kept her exit secret from all but her ‘tightest circle’ – including, even her fellow pros.
Karen 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 did announce her exit, she did so via a post to Instagram in March.
She told the tabloid: ‘When I announced it, I’ve never felt such an outpouring of love. So many people were reaching out to me, and just being so kind.’
In her original Instagram video, a tearful Karen said that it was ‘the right time to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas I’m passionate about.’
She continued: ‘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.’
After describing it as an ‘honour’ to share a ballroom with the judges, Karen thanked her fans, saying: ‘I’m so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles.’
Following Karen’s news, the BBC released a statement, saying: ‘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, and we are extremely grateful for the passion, creativity and dedication she has brought to every single performance.’
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In a follow-up video, Karen thanked fans for their show of support,explaining: ‘I’ve been reading your messages, and, honestly, I am absolutely overwhelmed, in the best kind of way, I promise.
‘There is so much kindness out there, and I almost don’t know what to do with it all.’
She added: ‘Please, I want you guys to know that I see you and I feel every word. I really didn’t expect this kind of outpour of love, and it’s actually made me stop for a second and feel something that I don’t always give myself, which is pride.
‘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.’
‘I promise, I’ll keep showing up, I’ll keep entertaining you all, and I’ll keep sending all that positive, kindness, love back to you all,’ Karen concluded.
‘Sending you guys a big, massive hug, and I’ll see you guys around.’
Karen’s exit comes amid a period of upheaval for the popular BBC competition, with the broadcaster reportedly keen to revamp the show.
Like Karen, Gorka also said that he left of his own accord, telling his Instagram followers that 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 that 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 at the time.
Having been sidelined for the recent series, Luba seemingly confirmed her exit via social media, thanking the show for ‘the amazing opportunities and unforgettable memories.’
Finally, Nadiya hinted that her Strictly journey isn’t completely over, teasing that she looks forward to ‘being part of the Strictly world for many years to come.’
Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are set to take over as the show’s new hosts, following the exit of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
This means that Johannes, 39, will be swapping his dance shoes for those of host, having first joined the show as a professional dancer in 2018.
He 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.’
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