Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Karen Hauer has responded to fellow former contestant AJ Pritchard's recent remarks suggesting the show should prioritize British talent. Hauer, who recently departed the show after 14 years, described Pritchard's comments as "low."

Pritchard, who competed on Strictly for four seasons, told the Daily Mail that he believes it is "really important for a show like Strictly to really benefit the British dancers." He added that there are "so many great British professionals who can really use this opportunity to showcase what they can do."

Responding to these statements, Hauer, an immigrant from Venezuela, stated, "As an immigrant, I've worked everywhere, and I think that our world right now is about seeing different things." She also noted that "there's a lot that goes into being a Strictly dancer," including being a good dancer, teacher, and communicator, suggesting that perhaps not enough British dancers have come forward to audition.

Hauer drew a parallel to Pritchard's recent audition for the American show "Dancing With The Stars," saying, "You don't hear Americans say we need only Americans." She added, "We're all immigrants, we're all doing the best that we can, and we're all gonna take the opportunities that we can."

Another former Strictly professional, Oti Mabuse, also disagreed with Pritchard's sentiment. Mabuse pointed out that many of the show's most popular professional dancers have not been British, citing Aljaz Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice, and Janette Manrara as examples. She also mentioned current international professionals such as Vito Coppola, Nikita Kumzin, and Alexis Warr, as well as past stars like Vincent Simone, Ola Jordan, Kristina Rihanoff, and Natalie Lowe, emphasizing that "our professionals are global because that global mixture is what makes us beautiful and is what makes us special."

Pritchard, who has since doubled down on his remarks, has previously been noted for his sometimes controversial public statements. Hauer acknowledged his talent but suggested he may not have fully considered the implications of his comments.

Hauer is currently preparing for her first winter without Strictly in 14 years. She has booked roles in pantomime and a theatre show and is also working with Burns Pet Nutrition to host The Burns Bravery Awards in November, encouraging nominations for Britain's Bravest Dog. She expressed her passion for dogs, stating that her own rescue dogs have provided significant support and improved her well-being.