The Venezuelan-American performer confirmed her exit in an emotional video message, revealing she had chosen to step away from the ballroom.
“After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing I’ve determined it is the correct time for me to shut this chapter and tackle new initiatives in different areas that I am captivated with,” Hauer acknowledged.
Her departure had been reported earlier this month as a part of sweeping adjustments affecting the present, which has seen a number of established skilled dancers faraway from the lineup.
The programme has additionally misplaced its presenting duo, with Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly having introduced their resignations final yr.
Hauer mirrored on how the present had reworked her life, describing its impression on her improvement “not solely as a performer and a trainer however as a human being.”
She added: “I’ve had the privilege of assembly so many unbelievable folks and good celeb companions who’ve turn into shut pals and other people I love a lot.”
The dancer paid specific tribute to viewers who had supported her all through her journey, saying: “You’ve got been there since day one once I simply moved to the UK and had no concept what I used to be getting myself into.”
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She humorously mentioned she was grateful followers had “witnessed all of my totally different hairstyles.”
“To my fellow skilled dancers who I like I’ll all the time be cheering you on.
“Strictly will all the time be in my coronary heart. I like you all.”
Strictly’s govt producer Sarah James issued an announcement praising Hauer’s contribution to the programme.
“Because the longest-serving feminine skilled dancer within the historical past of the present, Karen has given a lot of herself and her time to the programme, and we’re extraordinarily grateful for the eagerness, creativity and dedication she has introduced to each single efficiency,” James mentioned.
Karen Hauer (left) had her best-ever Strictly end in 2020, when she got here second with former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing
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The manager producer highlighted Hauer’s means to captivate audiences by her expertise and heat, crediting her with creating “a number of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance ground has ever seen.”
“Her professionalism and sense of humour shine by every thing she achieves and we will not wait to see the place her subsequent chapter takes her,” James added.
Regardless of the nice and cozy tribute from the present’s producers, viewers responded with sharp criticism on social media.
Followers took to Strictly’s Instagram account to voice their displeasure on the scale of adjustments affecting the programme.
“Enormous loss to the present and I worry lots of people will not tune in to observe if now we have extra of the og forged gone,” one viewer wrote.
One other declared: “At this charge i will not be watching Strictly.”
One fan argued that introducing new presenters represented a major shift by itself, suggesting producers ought to have allowed viewers to regulate earlier than making additional adjustments to the skilled dancer lineup.
“The viewers do not like too many adjustments directly this may increasingly develop into a expensive mistake,” they cautioned.
Throughout her 14 years on the hit present, Hauer has by no means received the Glitterball trophy.
Her most fruitful marketing campaign got here in 2020, when she completed second alongside Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing.
