BBC Strictly Come Dancing Karen Hauer’s seven-word response to public backlash

BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer is currently the longest serving professional dancer on the show, having first joined in season 10 back in 2012. The role thrust her into the spotlight but also opened her up to public scrutiny.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Karen explained how she copes with comments and opinions that are written about her saying she tries to ignore them.

"For me I try to ignore everything," she admitted. "I guess the more that you're in this industry, the more that you start learning what's good for you and what's not good for you and your mental well being.

"There are a lot of things when you first get thrown in you don't get told. There's no there's no book, no guidebook for being in the public eye. What you have to do is first of all - what I've learned - is to get a good publicist," she laughed.

"But it's one of those things that you kind of just end up learning a lot about. You know what goes around you and what's positive and what's negative and what to block out and not to read anything. And you just keep doing what you have to do, and protect yourself in that way," she said.

While she might manage to avoid online comments, Karen is fully aware of the scrutiny on the dancers to constantly be creative due to the success of the show. However this is something she quite appreciates.

"There's always pressure to be more creative, but I think that the lovely thing about the show - when I remember when I came in 2012 it was massive, but now it's it's huge. I think that as long as you don't let the pressure get to you, because I think that's what blocks the creative juices and what blocks the joy [it's all good].

"And I think that Strictly is about bringing that joy and that's what people enjoy and that's why it's been so successful throughout the years. It's like a warm blanket for families and it's brought families together on a Saturday night.

"People are so much more knowledgeable of dance now and are more prone to going and taking a dance class because of Strictly. But I think that I personally don't let it affect me when it comes to what I'm going to be creating because then it will just block me.

"I think as long as I'm having fun and entertaining I think that that's that's what's made it even more successful throughout the years that you just keep having fun with it," she opined.

Karen was talking as she prepares to go back on the road with fellow Strictly pro Gorka Marquez with a brand new show called Speakeasy, which will see them showcase their talents using a range of inspirations including the underground prohibition-era clubs.

It is their biggest tour to date and there are already 30 dates confirmed. The pair will also make their West End debut as a duo with the date and venue due to be announced shortly.

Although it is eight months away Karen is hugely excited by the prospect of touring again. "We can’t wait for audiences up and down the UK to see what we’ve put together for them.

"We’re bringing a new look and feel to this show; all new music, dances. It’s shaping up to be the most incredible adventure and we can’t wait for people to join us on the journey,” she enthused.

Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez's new tour Speakeasy begins in Dartford in February 2025 – Tickets are on sale now.