Karen Hauer to leave Strictly after 13 years on BBC series

The latest series of the popular BBC dance competition is coming this year, but it will see huge changes.

New presenters are due to step in for the 2026 series following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

There are also reports that several Strictly Come Dancing professionals will also be leaving the show.

Karen Hauer was partnered with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the latest series (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Karen Hauer to ‘leave Strictly’ after 13 years on BBC series

Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas have reportedly not been asked to return for the new series, according to The Sun.

A source told the publisher that “major changes are taking place” with dancers having meetings about their contracts “over the next few weeks”.

They added: “Bosses want a fresh start and to bring in new faces after all the drama in recent years and create a new era.”

Now, it has also been revealed that the show’s longest-serving Strictly professional in the current roster, Karen Hauer, is also leaving, according to the Daily Mail.

Karen is a Venezuelan–American professional Latin dance specialist and World Mambo Champion, and joined Strictly in 2012.

An insider told the publisher: “Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.

“It’s very much a case of out with the old and in with the new.

“As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.”

A second source added: “Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future.”

During her time on Strictly, she has partnered with big names such as reality star Mark Wright, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Her most successful series was in 2020, when she came runner-up alongside Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing.

The BBC has said plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.

Which dancers have been on Strictly Come Dancing the longest?

Strictly’s longest serving dancer ever was Anton Du Beke, who was in 18 series.

Du Beke later became a permanent judge on Strictly Come Dancing, replacing Bruno Tonioli.

Former star Brendan Cole was in 15 series, followed by Karen Hauer with 13.

With Karen’s exit, the longest-standing current Strictly professional is now Aljaž Škorjanec, who has been in all but two series in 2022 and 2023 since 2013.

Other dancers who have been on the show for several years include Katya Jones, Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden.

Who is your favourite dancer on Strictly? Let us know in the comments.