Karen Hauer gives heartbreaking relationship insight after struggles

karen hauer has opened up about hard lessons she says she has "unfortunately" learned during her long time in the spotlight, an admission that touches on how publicity and personal loss have shaped her life and relationships.

Karen Hauer's long tenure on Strictly Come Dancing and early arrival in 2012

The Venezuelan-American Latin dance maestro, described as a Strictly Come Dancing veteran and the longest-serving professional dancer on the cherished programme, arrived on the show in 2012. Now 43 years old, she said she was initially unaware of what it meant to be on such a popular show and tried to stay as "grounded" as possible while adapting to the public attention.

Three marriages, a 2022 separation and a new relationship with Simon Davidson

Hauer has been married three times. She is now in a relationship with partner Simon Davidson following her separation from former husband Jordan Wynn Jones in 2022. She was previously married to fellow Strictly professional Kevin Clifton before they split in 2018.

Comments on publicity on the Why Dance Matters podcast

Speaking on the Why Dance Matters podcast, she said she once believed that "bad or good publicity" was ultimately still publicity, but that view changed. She reflected: "It's that thing that you become so thick-skinned and so... but it starts affecting you. And it starts affecting you behind closed doors, and what people don't see. "

She added: "And it affects your relationships and affects the way that you function outside of what you're used to. I don't really mind about what people say to me or about me. I always say that it doesn't affect me in any way. " Hauer explained her coping strategy: "It's not going to affect my life in any way, unless I actually read into it more, if I feed into it more. So, the less I read, the less I hear, the more I'm into my own thing, and I'm just following my own path. " She conceded a more painful realisation came recently: "But, unfortunately, I learned that just about a year ago, you know?" and said it takes time to "kinda find who you are" because there are "so many versions of you out there".

Tribute after the death of former colleague Robin Windsor

Hauer recently paid an emotional tribute on the anniversary of the death of her former Strictly colleague Robin Windsor. February marks two years since the professional dancer was found dead, aged 44, at a hotel in Shepherd's Bush, west London, in 2024. Earlier this month, an inquest jury concluded that he took his own life; jurors said he was "vulnerable to rejection both emotionally and professionally", a factor described among the "contributing factors".

Hauer posted a photograph of the two of them on her Story, writing: "Will miss you always... "

Lisa Riley's tribute, hashtags and a call for support including the Samaritans helpline

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, who partnered with Robin on Strictly, also paid tribute. Riley posted: "Love you, miss you, will never ever forget you, your legacy lives on, because we will make sure your sparkle still shines.. It's quieter for you over the rainbow #anniversary #today #twoyearsago #love #bestfriend. " She added: "If you ever need help, @charitysane is an incredible charity who truly understands. "

For emotional support, the context included a helpline number and contact options: you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans. org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.