END OF AN ERA: KAREN HAUER STEPS AWAY FROM STRICTLY AFTER 14 YEARS — THE LONGEST-SERVING FEMALE PRO LEAVES FANS SAYING GOODBYE

After 14 unforgettable years in the Strictly ballroom, Karen Hauer has officially closed the chapter on one of the longest and most memorable professional careers in the show’s history.

For 14 years, Karen Hauer was one of the familiar faces audiences expected to see whenever the glittering Strictly Come Dancing ballroom came alive.

From dramatic routines and emotional performances to unforgettable partnerships, the Venezuelan-born dancer became a major part of the BBC show’s history.

Now, that chapter has come to an end.

Karen has officially announced that she is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 14 years, bringing an emotional close to a career that made her the show’s longest-serving female professional dancer.

“THE RIGHT TIME TO CLOSE THIS CHAPTER”

Karen announced her decision in March 2026, telling fans that she felt it was the right moment to move on and explore new projects in areas she is passionate about.

In an emotional video shared with her followers, she reflected on just how much Strictly had changed her life.

She said the programme had transformed her not only as a performer and teacher, but also as a person.

Karen also paid tribute to the extraordinary people she had met throughout her years on the show, including celebrity partners who had become close friends.

After more than a decade under the Strictly spotlight, she admitted that leaving would be emotional.

But she also appeared ready to discover what comes next.

FROM THE BRONX TO THE STRICTLY BALLROOM

Karen’s Strictly journey began in 2012, when she joined the professional line-up during the era of Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman.

Looking back, she described the experience as something she could never have imagined when she was younger.

The dancer became emotional while reflecting on her extraordinary journey from a young girl in the Bronx to becoming the longest-serving female professional dancer on one of Britain’s biggest television programmes.

She also joked that she would even miss standing in front of the judges every week — smiling politely even when she privately disagreed with their scores and comments.

A CAREER FILLED WITH MEMORABLE PARTNERSHIPS

Over the years, Karen danced with a long list of celebrities and became known for her powerful performances and distinctive choreography.

Her Strictly journey included partnerships with stars from television, sport and entertainment, creating some of the show’s most memorable routines.

She also made history in 2022 when she was paired with Jayde Adams in Strictly’s first same-sex female celebrity-professional partnership.

For Karen, however, Strictly was about more than trophies and performances.

It became a huge part of her life.

And after 14 years, saying goodbye meant leaving behind a ballroom filled with memories.

STRICTLY IS GOING THROUGH A MAJOR SHAKE-UP

Karen’s departure was not an isolated change.

Ahead of the 2026 series, the BBC confirmed that five professional dancers would leave the show: Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk. New professionals were brought in as part of the changing line-up.

The changes came during one of the biggest periods of transition in the show’s recent history.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had already stepped down as presenters, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe taking over as the new hosting trio.

But despite all the changes around the programme, one thing remained constant.

The judging panel stayed intact.

THE JUDGES ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE — FOR NOW

Despite speculation surrounding several familiar Strictly faces, the BBC confirmed that the 2026 judging panel would remain:

Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Shirley returned as head judge, joined by Craig, Motsi and Anton for the new series.

That means the headline about a beloved Strictly judge leaving the panel would be misleading if applied to the current 2026 line-up.

The major departure is Karen Hauer — a professional dancer rather than a judge.

“WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHERE HER NEXT CHAPTER TAKES HER”

Strictly executive producer Sarah James paid tribute to Karen following her announcement.

She highlighted Karen’s extraordinary contribution as the show’s longest-serving female professional, praising her passion, creativity, dedication and love of dance.

The show also credited her with creating memorable partnerships and performances throughout her time in the ballroom.

For Karen, though, the next chapter is already beginning.

She has made it clear that she wants to pursue new projects and explore other areas that matter to her.

A FINAL GOODBYE TO A STRICTLY ICON

For viewers who watched Karen enter the ballroom in 2012, her departure marks the end of a remarkable era.

Fourteen years is a long time on television.

During that period, Strictly changed hosts, welcomed new professionals, introduced new celebrities and created countless new memories.

Karen remained part of that journey through it all.

Now, as the music fades on her Strictly career, fans are left looking back at the routines, partnerships and moments that made her such a familiar presence on the show.

The ballroom will continue.

New dancers will arrive.

New partnerships will be formed.

But one of Strictly’s longest professional chapters has officially come to an end.

After 14 years, Karen Hauer has taken her final bow.