Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer has confirmed that she’s quit the BBC show after 14 years.
Karen Hauer has announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing after a 14-year stint.
Karen, 43, is the longest-serving professional dancer on Strictly, having joined the cast in 2012. There were rumours that she had been dropped from the BBC programme.
However, Karen has now clarified that it was her decision to leave, stating it was “the right time”. She shared an emotional video on Instagram discussing her exit from the dance show.
In the video, she expressed: “After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing I’ve decided it’s the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.
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“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.”
She went on to say: “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.
“I’m going to miss everyone who makes the show possible. To my fellow professional dancers who I adore – I will always be cheering you on,” reports the Daily Star.
Becoming emotional, Karen concluded: “Strictly will always be in my heart. I love you all.”
Karen was showered in support from fans and co-stars, with Rylan Clark writing: “You’re amazing and you’re gonna be missed so much xxx.”
Amber Davies said: “YOU DID THAT,” while pros Luba Mushtuk and Lauren Oakley also shared their support.
“Love you dear all the best,” Motsi Mabuse wrote, while head judge Shirley Ballas posted a series of hearts.
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who was partnered with Karen on the most recent series of Strictly, also said: “A true inspiration! Purely unique! Thank you for everything! Cant wait for the next chapter.”
During her stint on Strictly, Karen danced with Jamie Laing, Charles Venn and late Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers.
Paying tribute to him in an It Takes Two clip months ago, she broke down in tears as she said: “It was my second year on the show and I was still quite lost on who I wanted to be on the show and how to present myself.
“He unlocked that key for me, and went, ‘This is how you have fun, Karen.’”
She added: “He showed me how to make fun of myself, and since then, I’ve definitely taken that on board. He took care of me, and I just miss him.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.

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