The senior ballroom expert on the enduring BBC ballroom series is quitting the programme, reports suggest.
The forthcoming edition of the popular BBC show will broadcast later this year, though substantial alterations are expected.
Fresh presenters will helm the 2026 run following the departures of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Several dance partners on the programme are also believed to be departing.
Karen Hauer was partnered with the Gladiators star in the most recent run (Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Karen Hauer expected to leave after 13 years with the BBC ballroom franchise.
Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas have apparently not been asked back for the new series, according to The Sun.
A source told the newspaper that significant changes are underway, with performers discussing their future contracts in the coming weeks. They added that management is seeking a fresh start and new talent following the controversies of recent years to begin a new chapter.
Now, it has also emerged that the show’s most seasoned current professional dancer, Karen Hauer, is also departing, according to the Daily Mail.
Karen is a Venezuelan–American professional Latin dance specialist and World Mambo Champion, and began performing on the programme in 2012.
An insider told the newspaper that Karen is the newest professional dancer to learn her contract will not be renewed this year. It is very much about removing the old and bringing in the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen learned last week that her run on the programme has ended.
A second source said Karen was naturally very upset after receiving the news, but she is attempting to stay optimistic about what comes next.
During her time on the programme, she was partnered with notable names including reality television star Mark Wright, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and Gladiators contender Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Her best result came in 2020, when she finished as runner-up alongside Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing.
The BBC has stated that information about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be released in due course.
Which dance partners have appeared on Strictly Come Dancing for the greatest length of time?
The programme’s longest-serving professional dancer overall was Anton Du Beke, who took part in 18 seasons.
Du Beke subsequently became a permanent judge on Strictly Come Dancing, succeeding Bruno Tonioli.
Former performer Brendan Cole featured in 15 seasons, with Karen Hauer appearing in 13.
With Karen’s departure, the longest-standing current professional is now Aljaž Škorjanec, who has performed in every series except 2022 and 2023 since 2013.
Other performers who have been on the programme for numerous years include Katya Jones, Dianne Buswell and Amy Dowden.
Who is your favourite dancer on Strictly? Let us know in the comments.