STRICTLY pro Karen Hauer’s time on the BBC show has been cut short for yet another year, after being voted off the dance competition with her partner Paul Merson.
The pair found them in the dance off, performing their Samba and going head to head with JB and Amy Dowden, whom the judges chose to save.
But now die-hard fans of Karen are concerned that the 42-year-old who first joined the show in 2012, is in danger of quitting, after being continually paired with the least popular contestants.
Writing on social media site X, one person wrote: “I really hope this year isn’t Karen’s last series on Strictly, She’s the longest serving female pro, who has danced with a variety of celebs both men and women, Jayde Adams but has never one. 2025 needs to be her year to win.”
And another fan commented: “Actually loved Paul and karen plz strictly give Karen a contender next year she’s never looked soo happy being a part of the show as of right now.”
Meanwhile, someone else commented on how the show has lost its entertainment value, now that Karen and Paul have gone.
They said: “Paul Merson gave it his all in that dance-off, will be sad not to have him and Karen entertaining everyone each week.”
In a shocking dance-off, Paul found himself against JLS star JB Gill and his professional partner Amy Dowden.
Fans and the judges alike were left gasping when it was revealed that JB, arguably one of the stronger dancers on the programme, would have to dance again for his place in the contest.
It meant that Paul’s fate was seemingly sealed, having previously been forced into a dance-off alongside Toyah Wilcox.
Former footballer, Paul and Karen performed their routine, a Samba to Car Wash by Rose Royce, but it wasn’t enough to win over the panel.
All four judges revealed they were in agreement in choosing to keep JB and axe sports star Paul following the dance-off.
As Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all agreed to save JB, Shirley Ballas’ vote was not required but she admitted to show host Tess Daly that she would have also chosen to save JB.
As the news began to settle on their exit, Paul told Tess: “It’s been really good.
“For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show. It’s amazing – everybody.
He went onto add of his pro partner Karen: “She’s been amazing, absolutely amazing and I couldn’t wish for a better coach. I’ve loved every minute of it.
Venezuelan-American dancer Karen is a fan favourite and having starred on the show for 12 years, many would be happy to see her shine on the competition.
Having competed on the US show, So You Think You can Dance, Karen joined Strictly in 2012 and was partnered with Westlife star Nicky Byrne.
Throughout her time on the show she has been partnered with some of the biggest stars in Britain including, the late Dave Myers, broadcaster Jeremy Vine, pop star Will Young and Radio DJ Mark Wright.
Her most successful pairing was with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing in 2020, with whom she made the final, finishing in second place and Mark Wright back in 2014, finishing in forth.
But like Anton Du Beke who starred on the show since the beginning in 2004, rising from stalwart professional to revered Strictly judge in 2021, Karen’s longevity suggests that she is valued behind the scenes.
Numerous professional dancers have come and gone over the years, before disappearing out of the news cycle, but Karen remains relevant, standing firm in the Strictly frame.
Perhaps after yet another disappointing run, next year, producers will consider giving her a partner who has a fighting chance of winning the show.
