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 left the show following speculation they had been removed.
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.
Karen Hauer was among the professional dancers dropped by BBC bosses | BBCDespite 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."
Karen Hauer commented on the new line-up
| GETTYNikita 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 DEVELOPMENTS
"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."
Karen Hauer instagram comment
|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.