END OF AN ERA: STRICTLY LEGEND KAREN HAUER STEPS AWAY AFTER 14 YEARS

Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving female professional dancer has officially closed the chapter after 14 years — leaving fans facing a very different ballroom when the show returns.

Karen Hauer is saying goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

After an incredible 14 years on the BBC dance competition, the Venezuelan-born dancer has confirmed that she will not return for the 2026 series.

The emotional announcement marked the end of one of the longest careers in the show’s professional line-up.

Hauer, 43, became tearful as she shared the news with fans, explaining that she felt it was finally the right moment to move on and explore new projects outside the programme.

“THE RIGHT TIME TO CLOSE THIS CHAPTER”

In an emotional video, Karen explained that Strictly had completely changed her life — not only as a performer and teacher, but also as a person.

She reflected on the many celebrity partners she had worked with and the friendships she had built throughout her time on the show.

For Karen, leaving was clearly an emotional decision.

She also reassured fans that this was not the end of her dancing career, describing the departure as more of a “see you later” than a goodbye.

She said she would continue dancing and would be cheering on her former Strictly colleagues from the sidelines.

FROM THE BRONX TO STRICTLY HISTORY

Karen was born in Venezuela and moved to New York as a child, eventually becoming a professional dancer before making her first appearance on Strictly in 2012.

She joined the programme alongside the likes of the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and Len Goodman, memories she described as particularly special.

Over the years, she partnered with a long list of celebrities, including Nicky Byrne, Mark Wright, Charles Venn, Chris Ramsey, Jamie Laing and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Her partnership with Jamie Laing came particularly close to victory when the pair reached the final in 2020 and finished as runners-up.

But perhaps her biggest achievement was longevity.

Karen became the longest-serving female professional dancer in Strictly history, making her departure especially significant for longtime viewers.

“WE WILL MISS YOU”

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

The BBC praised her contribution over 14 years, highlighting her passion, creativity and dedication to the programme.

The statement also celebrated the memorable partnerships and performances she brought to the ballroom.

Fans and fellow Strictly stars quickly filled her social-media post with emotional messages.

Judge Motsi Mabuse was among those to send her love, while fellow professionals also shared tributes to the departing dancer.

A BIG CHANGE FOR STRICTLY

Karen’s exit is not happening in isolation.

The 2026 professional line-up has undergone a significant shake-up, with Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas also leaving the show.

The BBC has confirmed that new professional dancers will be brought in to join the returning cast.

Meanwhile, the judging panel remains unchanged for 2026, with Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all returning.

That means fans will see familiar faces on the judging panel — but a noticeably different group of professionals taking to the dance floor.

“STRICTLY WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART”

For Karen, however, the end of her Strictly career appears to be less about closing a door and more about beginning something new.

After spending more than a decade performing in front of millions of viewers, she now plans to pursue projects in other areas she is passionate about.

Her message to fans was filled with gratitude for the people who watched her journey from the beginning.

From a young dancer from the Bronx to the longest-serving female professional in Strictly history, Karen leaves behind 14 years of routines, partnerships, tears, laughter and unforgettable ballroom moments.

And although she will no longer be competing for the Glitterball, one thing seems certain:

Karen Hauer may be leaving Strictly — but she isn’t leaving dance behind. 💔