Strictly's Karen Hauer shares truth on if she feels 'threatened' by younger dancers
Karen Hauer has shared her true feelings about whether she feels threatened by the younger dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
In a recent interview, the Strictly professional opened up about her position as the show's longest-serving female pro and how she handles things when new blood steps onto the dance floor.
The 42-year-old Venezuelan dancer, who joined the show back in 2012 with Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, explained that she takes on a specific role when they arrive, one she "didn't have" when she first started.
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Karen, who has also danced with Hairy Biker Dave Myers, Mark Wright, Jeremy Vine and Simon Rimmer, highlighted the show's "big spotlight" and revealed that she's "always there to help".
Karen told the Sun's Fabulous Magazine: "Of course, Strictly brings in younger female dancers. I'm the longest serving on the show, but new dancers don't threaten me - I watch them and I learn from them.
"They inspire me and build my confidence. I've become the person for them that I didn't have when I joined the show. I'm always there to help because there is a big spotlight on you on Strictly."
She said it's "simple" at the "end of the day", as she just does her job and doesn't "mess around", adding that whatever may be occurring in her personal life, it remains outside the studio.
In other news, Karen recently made an appearance alongside Gorka Márquez on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, but host Simon Rimmer appeared less than pleased with his former Strictly dance partner.
In the episode, host Tim Lovejoy asked Karen about Simon's cooking prowess. Tim said: "Karen, welcome back to the show. You've obviously danced with both of these men. Which would you say is the better dancer?" However, Karen managed to avoid picking one.
Tim went on to say: "And who's the better cook out of the two of them?" But Karen hesitated, prompting Tim to jokingly follow up with: "She's thinking about it, no chance. It's his job!" Simon then responded by saying "Come on!" while Karen hilariously hid under the table.
It comes as Karen and Gorka gear up for their Speakeasy tour, which is set to feature a number of styles and offer fans a taste of Burlesque Cabaret Clubs and New York's speakeasies.
The show's description says it will be a "delicious dance experience" and a journey into "an undercover world of elegance and iconic dance flavours".
