Karen Hauer announces first job since being axed from Strictly Come Dancing
Karen Hauer announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing in March, and a month later, she has landed herself a new role.
Karen Hauer has bagged her first job since she was axed from Strictly Come Dancing.
The 44-year-old star was the longest-serving pro on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show, having joined in 2012, but in March, Karen revealed her "emotional" departure amid a brutal cast cull to shake up the programme for the 2026 series, which is set to kick off in September.
However, fans will be able to catch her in action as Karen has landed a role of Mavis in Stepping Out, a revival of Richard Harris’ 1984 comedy play, which sees adults attend tap dance classes to prepare for a charity gala performance.
Karen took to Instagram on Wednesday (29.04.26) and posted a promo shot of the show announcing the dancer's signing, with the caption: "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 (sic)."
Her fellow Strictly Come Dancing pros rushed to the post's comments section to congratulate Karen.
Luba Mushtuk – who has also been given the chop from Strictly Come Dancing - penned: "This is amazing !!! So proud of you bb (sic)."
Neil Jones, 43, typed: "I can’t wait to see this."
And Johannes Radebe, 39, wrote: "Will be there, congrats!"
Fans were equally as thrilled about Karen's new job, as one commented: "You will be amazing, perfect for the part and I can’t wait to cheer you on. I said I would support you and I will. (sic)"
A second supporter reacted: "I love this!!! So excited for you. I've seen the film and you're going to be so terrific in this part (sic)."
And a third follower said: "So exciting Karen."
Karen's new job comes after she, Luba, 36, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Gorka Marquez, 35, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, and Nancy Xu, 34, were all axed from Strictly Come Dancing.
The brutal cast cull is part of a big shake-up of the programme, which also includes two yet-to-be-revealed new co-hosts, following the departure of Tess Daly, 57, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, at the end of the 2025 series in December.
On April 20, The Sun newspaper reported that nine celebrities had been invited to audition for the prestigious presenting gig.
It was claimed that former BBC Radio 2 star Zoe Ball, 55, ex-Big Brother host Emma Willis, 50, and This Morning star Alison Hammond, 51, attended.
They are believed to have been joined by Celebrity Gogglebox alum Rylan Clark, 37, The One Show presenter Alex Jones, 49, and 65-year-old The Chase presenter Bradley Walsh.
As well as comedian Tom Allen, 42, RuPaul's Drag Race UK alum La Voix, 46, and 42-year-old The Apprentice: Unfinished Business host Angela Scanlon.
