Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer has landed her first big role just weeks after her 'upsetting' exit from the BBC show.
Karen was the show's longest-serving Strictly professional in the current roster at the time of leaving.
She was one of five dancers who are not returning for the next series later this year.
Strictly star Karen Hauer lands big job after BBC exit
An insider told the Daily Mail at the time: "Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.
"It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new.
"As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over."
A second source added: "Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future."
Now, those wanting to see Karen perform again can, after revealing she has landed a role in Stepping Out.
The show follows a group of amateur tap dancers as they prepare for a charity gala performance.
Hauer will play dance teacher Mavis, with the show playing at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Theatre from August 13 to 29, with additional dates in Southend, Fareham and Bromley.
Sharing a post on Instagram, Karen wrote: "This one feels really close to my heart.
"I am thrilled to be playing the role of Mavis in 'Stepping Out'.
"A joyful, funny and deeply human story about finding confidence, connection and a little bit of magic through dance x.
"I can’t wait to bring her to life and share it with you all."
Which Strictly pros will be in the 2026 series?
The BBC confirmed there will be 15 returning pros for the new series, with five leaving.
New professionals are also set to be recruited and announced closer to the dancing show’s return in autumn.
The full list of 15 dancers returning from the 2025 series is:
- Alexis Warr
- Amy Dowden
- Aljaz Skorjanec
- Carlos Gu
- Dianne Buswell
- Johannes Radebe
- Jowita Przystal
- Julian Caillon
- Kai Widdrington
- Katya Jones
- Lauren Oakley
- Nancy Xu
- Neil Jones
- Nikita Kuzmin
- Vito Coppola
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and head judge Shirley Ballas will all return to the judging panel.
The five pros that have been axed from Strictly ahead of the new series are:
- Gorka Marquez
- Michelle Tsiakkas
- Karen Hauer
- Nadiya Bychkova
- Luba Mushtuk
The new dancers that will replace the five will be announced soon, as will the new hosts.
Reports have suggested that there are plans to reinvent the series, particularly following the departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Recommended reading:
- Beloved BBC character will speak for first time in over 40 years in new short film
- EastEnders character to return to BBC soap after 'heartbreaking' year away
- ITV's Emmerdale actor reveals they've exited show and final scenes have aired already
The companion show, Strictly: It Takes Two, is also rumoured to be refreshed and restyled.
Reports suggest it will become a vodcast, becoming a filmed podcast feature instead of its current TV show format, similar to The Traitors spin-off Uncloaked.
The change will also see current hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East exit, according to sources.
Will you be watching Strictly Come Dancing when it returns later this year? Let us know in the comments.
Share