KAREN Hauer is reportedly leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 13 years on the BBC series, marking a major change for one of the show’s most familiar professional dancers.
Hauer, 43, joined the hit competition in 2012 and became the longest-serving female pro on the lineup.
According to the Daily Mail, Hauer was recently told her contract would not be renewed as Strictly moves ahead with a significant cast shake-up.
The article claims several other professional dancers have also been affected, including Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Gorka Márquez.
Sources cited in the report say the show is aiming for a fresh start, with more changes potentially still to come. Aljaž Škorjanec is also said to be unlikely to return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe are reportedly expected to stay.
Hauer’s time on Strictly included partnerships with celebrity contestants such as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Paul Merson, Eddie Kadi, Jayde Adams, Simon Rimmer and Mark Wright. She reached the final with Wright in 2014 but never won the Glitterball Trophy.
The report adds that Hauer is said to be focusing on other career opportunities, including choreography and fitness work. The BBC and Hauer’s representatives had reportedly been contacted for comment.
