Strictly’s Karen Hauer shares heartbreaking relationship update after BBC show struggles

As the longest-serving Strictly Come Dancing pro, it’s safe to assume Karen is familiar with the highs and lows of the limelight, but there’s something she’s “unfortunately” learned as a result

CAPTION: Strictly’s Karen Hauer reveals she’s quit booze after ‘gritting her teeth and hoping the pain would stop’ by drinking PICTURED: Karen Hauer h

Karen Hauer has shed light on something that she has “unfortunately” learned (Image: Instagram/karenhauer)

Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hauer has shed light on something that she has “unfortunately” learned as a result of being in the limelight. As the longest-serving Strictly pro on the beloved BBC series, it’s safe to assume that Venezuelan–American Latin dance maestro Karen is familiar with the highs and lows of the public spotlight.

Having arrived in 2012, the 43-year-old says she was unaware of what it meant to be in such a popular show, but tackled it by trying to stay as “grounded” as possible. Karen noted that she had “very public” relationships and that you “can’t hide” from the public eye, but also attempted to protect herself.

Karen, who has tied the knot three times, is currently dating new boyfriend Simon Davidson after her split from from ex-husband Jordan Wynn Jones in 2022. She was also wed to former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, but they broke up in 2018.

Yet, she conceded that, at the time, she thought “bad or good publicity” was still publicity. She told the Why Dance Matters podcast: “It’s that thing that you become so thick-skinned and so…but it starts affecting you. And it starts affecting you behind closed doors, and what people don’t see.”

Karen Hauer at the Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Launch at BBC

Karen says she was initially unaware of what it meant to be in such a popular show (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Karen said:”And it affects your relationships and affects the way that you function outside of what you’re used to. I don’t really mind about what people say to me or about me. I always say that it doesn’t affect me in any way.”

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She continued: “It’s not going to affect my life in any way, unless I actually read into it more, if I feed into it more. So, the less I read, the less I hear, the more I’m into my own thing, and I’m just following my own path.

“But, unfortunately, I learned that just about a year ago, you know?” She added that it takes time to “kinda find who you are” because there are “so many versions of you out there”.

In other news, Karen recently delivered a touching message on the anniversary of her ex-Strictly Come Dancing co-star Robin Windsor’s death.

February marks two years since the professional dancer was discovered dead, aged 44, in a hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, in 2024.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Annual Gala Dinner

Karen said it takes time to “kinda find who you are” (Image: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home)

Earlier this month, an inquest jury concluded that he sadly took his own life, with jurors saying he was “vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally”, which was described as among the “contributing factors”.

Karen shared a photo of the pair on Instagram, writing on her Story: “Will miss you always…” Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, with whom Robin performed on Strictly, also shared a tribute.

She wrote:”Love you, miss you, will never ever forget you, your legacy lives on, because we will make sure your sparkle still shines…

“It’s quieter for you over the rainbow #anniversary #today #twoyearsago #love #bestfriend. If you ever need help, @charitysane is an incredible charity who truly understands.”