Strictly’s longest-serving pro urges fans ‘don’t fear show’s future’ after Tess and Claudia’s exit

Strictly Come Dancing’s current longest-serving professional dancer on the show, Karen Hauer, has urged fans not to fear for the show’s future after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would be leaving.

The long-running BBC One hosts made the shock announcement on Thursday. Daly has presented since the first series 21 years ago, while Winkleman joined in 2014.

Hauer, who is the longest-serving professional dancer currently on the show, as well as the longest-serving woman on the dancefloor, said she’s still excited by Strictly’s future after 13 years in the ballroom.

Speaking with Metro ahead of Icons Week, Hauer compared the flagship dance programme to a child’s comfort blanket, saying: ‘It’s always happiness for us when we’re here. It’s an incredible show to be a part of.