Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has shared a powerful and deeply personal milestone, revealing she is now one year alcohol-free.
A Candid Confession of Bravery
In a heartfelt social media post on New Year's Eve 2025, the 43-year-old professional dancer described quitting alcohol as the 'bravest' thing she has ever done. She opened up about confronting a whirlwind of raw emotions during her journey.
'One year alcohol free..' Hauer began. 'I faced my raw self for the first time…Scared, sad, angry. But also clearer. Pausing. Progressing.'
She admitted that she had previously used drinking as a mask, explaining: 'I hid behind “just having fun” but deep down I was closing my eyes tightly, gritting my teeth, hoping the pain would stop.'
Finding Healing and Support
The Venezuelan-born dancer wrote that the true act of courage was stopping running from herself. She is now embracing a process of healing and self-understanding.
'Now I’m slowly better at reasoning with myself understanding why I feel the way I do and allowing myself to feel it all,' she shared. 'Even when my heartbeat races and my mind overthinks. That’s my process of healing and I’m okay with that.'
Hauer, who is the BBC show's longest-serving professional, dedicated her positive future to her 'little family' – her partner, marketing manager Simon Davidson, and her four dogs.
Her announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fellow Strictly stars including Jowita Przystał and Gorka Marquez. Former contestant Vicky Pattison also expressed how 'proud' she was of Hauer's achievement.
Personal Life and Show Optimism
This personal triumph follows a period of change in Hauer's life. She separated from her husband, Jordan Wyn-Jones, after one year of marriage in 2023. She was previously married to former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton from 2015 to 2018.
Speaking recently about the future of Strictly Come Dancing amidst high-profile host departures, Hauer urged fans not to fear. She compared the show to a comfort blanket and expressed confidence in its enduring appeal.
'We’ve always had changes in the show and it’s always been positive,' she stated. 'So I’m not actually afraid of what’s to come at all. If anything, I’m quite excited... Strictly only gets better.'
She described departing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as 'massive powerhouses' whom she would miss sorely, but remained optimistic about the programme's next chapter.
