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Karen Hauer makes feelings clear on new BBC Strictly pro-line up as returning dancers CONFIRMED after mass cull
May 6, 2026
Posted 1 hour ago by
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has broken her silence on the confirmed professional line-up after it was finally revealed on Wednesday.Ms Hauer, 44, was among the longest-serving dancers on the show but it was recently announced she wouldn't be returning following a mass cull of professionals who appear to have been axed.The popular BBC programme appears to be undergoing a shake-up, with Ms Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk and Michelle Tsiakkas having eft the show following speculation they had been axed.BBC Strictly announced earlier today that the returning professionals for this year's series include Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Dianne Buswell, Johannes Radebe, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and reigning champion Carlos Gu.Despite the apparent snub, Ms Hauer was among those who left a celebratory comment on the Instagram announcement.BBC Strictly's official account shared a series of photos of the returning pros alongside the caption: Welcome back our Judges and Pros for 2026!Along with several other reactions from co-stars, Ms Hauer penned: Can't wait to see you all on the ballroom floor!Ms Buswell, who recently gave birth to her first child, shared under the post: How has it been 10 years already? Still feels just as exciting as year 1 and this year my little boy can watch.Nikita Kuzmin added: Let's goooo team.
So, so happy to be back. (sic)Vito Coppola remarked: Bellissimo grazie mille. Infinity grateful.Amy Dowden echoed this sentiment by commenting: Forever grateful.Meanwhile, many fans responded directly to Ms Hauer's post, with one replying: You will be missed.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSITV Coronation Street casts former EastEnders star as father of iconic characterKylie Minogue makes rare breast cancer admission as singer opens up on 'scary' ordeal in new docJeremy Clarkson 'stifles laugh' during Who Wants To Be A Millionaire as he admits 'Unbelievable' View this post on Instagram A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) Rubbish without you Karen, another penned, while one more added: I will miss you there, Karen. (sic)In a video message posted in March, the Venezuelan–American dancer addressed her exit, stating: 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.The dancer paid particular tribute to viewers who had supported her throughout her journey, saying: You've been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into.She humorously said she was grateful fans had witnessed all of my different hairstyles.Shew concluded: To my fellow professional dancers who I adore I will always be cheering you on.Strictly will always be in my heart. I love you all.The popular dance competition's shake-up came after hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced during the latest series they wouldn't be returning.The BBC has yet to announce who the new presenters will be, but there has been heavy speculation circulating, with several names on the rumour mill. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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