Karen Hauer, a professional dancer for "Strictly Come Dancing," recently shared images from a getaway with her boyfriend, Simon Davidson, following her departure from the BBC show. Hauer, who was among five professional dancers cut from the program in a significant shake-up, posted pictures from the trip on Sunday.
The Venezuelan dancer, 44, showcased her physique in a beige bikini during the break in Hertfordshire. She also shared images of Davidson, 40, participating in an ice bath, as well as photos of the couple enjoying lunch and a dog walk.
Hauer, who is Strictly's longest-serving female professional dancer, became Instagram official with Davidson in January 2024, shortly after her separation from her third husband, Jordan Wyn-Jones.
The professional dancer cuts included Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Marquez. The remaining professional lineup features established dancers such as Dianne Buswell, Nancy Xu, Vito Coppola, Carlos Gu, and Neil Jones, alongside newcomers like Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Mark Karmalita, and Maddie Ingoldsby.
Former "Strictly Come Dancing" judge Arlene Phillips has voiced criticism regarding the hiring of new professionals, expressing concern that many may be influencers with insufficient dancing experience. In contrast, former judge Bruno Tonioli has defended the show's decisions, characterizing the cull as a natural consequence of show business and the need for fresh talent to keep the program evolving. Tonioli, who served as a judge from 2004 to 2022, noted that maintaining a competitive edge requires introducing new participants and that the show must adapt to stay current.
The upcoming season will also feature new hosting talent, with Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe, and Josh Widdicombe taking over from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The celebrity cast for the new season has reportedly drawn criticism from fans, with some calling it the "worst ever."