Popular pro QUITS Strictly after 14 years on the show
She's released a video explaining her decision
After 14 amazing years on Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Karen Hauer has announced she won't be returning for the 2026 series, admitting the 'time is right' for her to leave the Strictly ballroom.
Sharing an update with fans on Instagram, Karen said in a video: "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.
"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."
Strictly's Executive producer Sarah James reacted to the news, saying in 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, 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'.
Latin dance specialist Karen first joined Strictly Come Dancing way back in 2012, being partnered with Westlife singer Nicky Byrne for her first series. She went on to be paired with Dave Myers, Mark Wright, Jeremy Vine, Will Young, Simon Rimmer, Chris Ramsey and Charles Venn to name a few, but it was in 2019 she came closest to winning, when she was a runner-up alongside Jamie Laing.
For her final series in 2025, Karen was paired with Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, finishing in ninth place.
Rumours have been rife in recent weeks that a number of long-running pros will leave the show, but no other exits have been confirmed at this time.
As fans will know, the show is also on the lookout for a new set of hosts, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they were leaving after the 2025 series.
Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, names like Rylan Clark, Fleur East, Johannes Radebe, Holly Willoughby and Bradley Walsh are apparently all high on the list, with screen tests due to begin in April.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to ours screens later this year.
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