Five Strictly Come Dancing Pros Exit Ahead of New Series

The BBC confirmed five professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing have left the show as work starts on this year's series.

Karen Hauer, the longest-serving female pro, departed after 14 years. She said in March she had decided this was the right time to close this chapter and take on new projects.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will return. No word yet on replacements for hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

In a Wednesday update, the BBC said 15 of last year's 20 professionals would come back for the next series.

"This year a dynamic and world class roster of returning Professional Dancers will be joined by fresh top talent from the international dance world, bringing an exciting mix of experience and showmanship to the Strictly ballroom," a statement said.

Hauer announced her exit in a March Instagram video. She told followers Strictly completely changed her life, not only as a performer and teacher, but as a human being.

She said she had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners who became close friends and people she admired.

Hauer said she, Tess and Claudia could finally be ladies who lunch in the autumn, though she has since been cast as a dance teacher in the comedy play Stepping Out from August.

"I'll even miss standing in front of the judges," she said. "Can you believe that? Smiling politely while sometimes secretly disagreeing."

Kai Widdrington is leaving after a decade. He had no celebrity partner last year due to scheduling conflicts after becoming a judge on the Spanish version of the show.

His past partners included presenter Gemma Atkinson, who became his life partner. They now have two children.

Nadiya Bychkova joined in 2017. She said in March she was excited to focus on new projects and spend more time with her daughter. "Life feels full of possibilities,"

Luba Mushtuk arrived in 2018. She said it was time to follow her dreams beyond the show and that she was excited for the future.

On Instagram, she wished her Strictly family all the best but added professionals can never assume their places are guaranteed. She had hoped for more time and wished she could have shown more of what she can do. Still, she was grateful for every experience and chance to share her passion and connect with the audience.

Returning pros include Amy Dowden, who went out first last year with partner Tom Skinner. She missed the 2023 series after a breast cancer diagnosis and dropped out of 2024 with injury.