Karen Hauer, a 43-year-old television star, has reportedly been removed from the popular show Strictly Come Dancing after serving as a professional dancer on the BBC program since 2012. Throughout her time on the show, she partnered with various celebrities including Jayde Adams, Chris Ramsey, and most recently, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. However, reports suggest that her contract has not been renewed, making her the latest professional dancer to be cut from this year’s lineup, joining others like Nadiya Bychkova and Gorka Marquez.
According to a source cited by the Daily Mail, Karen received the news last week that her time on Strictly had come to an end, as the show appears to be transitioning with a mix of new talent. Michelle Tsiakkas, who danced with former EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick in 2020, was also confirmed to have been axed from the program along with Luba Mushtuk.
Significant changes are expected for the long-running competition, especially following the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from the BBC last year. An insider speaking to The Sun likened the restructuring of the professional lineup to a sports team, emphasizing the importance of introducing fresh talent to maintain a competitive edge.
Regarding Nadiya’s dismissal, sources stated that her removal could be attributed to a shift towards younger dancers, sparking concerns of ageism within the show’s decision-making process. Fans were reportedly surprised by Nadiya’s departure, as she had garnered significant popularity during her time on the program.
In addition to Karen and Nadiya, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas were also said to have been let go. Gorka’s absence in the previous season was due to his commitments to the Spanish version of the show, while both Luba and Michelle were not paired with any contestants.
In a joint statement announcing their exit, hosts Tess and Claudia expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to host Strictly Come Dancing, describing it as a dream experience. They confirmed that they had decided to leave the show together, marking the end of an era for the beloved presenting duo.
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