Karen Hauer made her return to BBC television on Thursday evening, appearing in high spirits on The Apprentice spin-off visual podcast Unfinished Business just days after reports emerged that she had been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 43-year-old professional dancer was all smiles as she joined host Angela Scanlon on the BBC2 programme, offering her thoughts on Lord Sugar's tenth firing of the series, which saw contestant Rajan Gill sent home.
Throughout the episode, Hauer gave no indication of the turmoil surrounding her reported departure from Strictly, with the podcast believed to have been filmed in advance.
Scanlon introduced her as a "Strictly professional dancer" during the broadcast, despite the news breaking earlier this week that her contract would not be renewed after 13 years on the dance competition.
Karen joined Angela Scanlon for her The Apprentice podcast
Simon Rimmer, who partnered with Hauer during the 2017 series, has seemingly confirmed her exit from the show in an emotional social media tribute.
The Sunday Brunch presenter took to Instagram to express his dismay at the news, posting a photograph of the pair together on the dance floor.
"Absolutely gutted that the very best teacher and dancer Karen Hauer has been axed from @bbcstrictly - thanks for everything Karen. #friendsforlife," he wrote in the caption.
Rimmer and Karen finished in 11th place during their series together, becoming the fifth couple eliminated from the competition that year.
Rajan Gill was the latest Apprentice to be fired by Lord Alan Sugar
|BBC
His post prompted an outpouring of support from fans, with many describing Karen as a "staple of the show" and expressing their own disappointment at her apparent departure.
Neither Karen nor the BBC has officially addressed the speculation surrounding her future on the programme.
After the news of her exit first circulated, Hauer took to her Instagram to update her fans on how her dogs were doing – and didn't address the swirling rumour of her exit.
Posting a conveyor belt post of pictures of her dogs, she simply said: "Joey & Marley working the camera. Too early for Phoebe and I to be bothered." (sic)
The star is rumoured to not be returning for this years competition
|BBC
Many of her fans flocked to her comment section to express their sadness and devastation for the dancer, with many claiming she was the "best there is".
The reported shake-up at Strictly has been described as a "bloodbath" by insiders, with Hauer among several professional dancers understood to have been informed their contracts will not be renewed for the 2026 series.
Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas have also reportedly been let go as part of what sources describe as a major overhaul of the professional line-up.
According to reports, the affected dancers learnt of their fate during brief 15-minute telephone conversations with BBC executives, with one insider describing the process as "brutal".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bychkova is said to have been left "distraught" upon receiving the news, with sources suggesting "diva-like" behaviour may have influenced the decision regarding her departure.
Neil Jones and Nancy Xu, 34, have reportedly been benched, though they may still feature in group performances.
The changes come as the show prepares for a new chapter following the departure of long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Hauer joined Strictly in 2012 and holds the distinction of being the show's longest-serving female professional dancer, though she has never claimed the coveted Glitterball Trophy despite reaching the final with Mark Wright a decade ago.
The star recently competed with Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
|BBC
Her most recent celebrity partners have included Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, former footballer Paul Merson, and comedian Eddie Kadi in 2023.
She demonstrated her range as a choreographer in 2022 when she performed alongside comic Jayde Adams, becoming the second female professional to take part in a same-sex pairing after Katya Jones.
Sources have indicated that she was "obviously very upset" upon learning of the decision but is attempting to stay optimistic about her future, with plans to focus on choreography and her fitness work.
Following the news, Hauer returned to social media, sharing relaxed photographs with her dogs Joey and Marley, captioning the images: "Too early for Phoebe and I to be bothered."
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter