Ever wondered what it’s like to dance with Strictly professionals? Here’s everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing legends Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton – including Karen’s Strictly career, latest news and dance breaks. Table of Contents
Who are Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing?
Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton are two of the most recognisable professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing. Between them, they’ve graced the Strictly ballroom for over a decade, dazzling audiences with their technical skill, infectious energy and personality.
Strictly Finalist 2020 – Karen Hauer was the longest-serving female professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.
Is Karen Hauer returning to Strictly in 2026?
In March 2026, Karen announced that she will not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing, as she moves on to exciting new opportunities.
Strictly Champion Kevin Clifton was a pro dancer on the show for 7 years. In 2020 Kevin made the decision not to return to Strictly Come Dancing
Who was Karen’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2025?
In 2025, Karen was partnered with Olympian sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (age 36), also known as Nitro from the TV Show Gladiators.
Karen and Harry were saved from dance off danger by the viewers’ votes in week 6. Not so lucky in week 7 as they became the next couple to be eliminated. Their Samba brought the carnival and was fabulous and full of bounce but at that stage the judges were looking for more technique.
Harry’s explosive energy and Karen’s fiery Latin routines delivered speed, stamina and fireworks on the dancefloor. They were a pleasure to watch. Who enjoyed the ‘pec-ography!’
What Harry says about joining Strictly 2025:
“After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got. I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
What’s Kevin Clifton doing now?
Kevin has announced he will be taking the lead in the UK Tour of the theatre show, The Full Monty. Kevin has previously starred in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, directed by Craig Revel Horwood. He played Scott Hastings, a rebellious young dancer breaking the rules of traditional ballroom.
Karen Hauer Live – Tickets & Dance Breaks
Looking for tickets to see Karen Hauer live? Karen taught and performed at Donaheys’ 2026 Dancing With The Stars. Discover our latest Dancing With The Stars Experiences, with inspiring dance lessons, spectacular live shows and a fabulous 4-star or 5-star hotel stay.
Who better to teach you to dance than the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
- When
- Friday 19th – Sunday 21st March 2027
- Where
- 4* De Vere Beaumont Estate, Old Windsor
✨ Star Studded Line-Up ✨
- ✨ Anton Du Beke
- ✨ Katya Jones
- ✨ Julian Caillon & Alexis Warr
- ✨ Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manrara
See the full star-studded line-up
- ✨ British Showdance Champions David Cockram & Rosie Ward
- ✨ Team Warren & Kristi Boyce
- ✨ Argentine Tango Stars
- ✨ Tony Greenwood 15-Piece Big Band
Please note, we do not sell individual Karen Hauer tickets
‘Is it me or do Donahey’s run the best dance weekends in the country….Kevin Clifton
‘What an incredible event, we loved every second of it. So much on offer from all the Strictly couples & classes, we love being part of it. Kevin Clifton
‘Superb night at Alton Towers. Thank you for letting Kevin and I be part of this fabulous event. Lots of love x’ Karen Hauer
How old and how tall are Karen & Kevin?
| Dancer | Age (7 October 2026) | Birthday | Height |
| Karen | 44 | 20th April 1982 | 1.65 m |
| Kevin | 44 | 13th October 1982 | 1.78 m |
Karen Hauer Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
What is Karen Hauer known for?
Karen was Strictly’s longest-serving female pro, appearing from 2012 to 2025. Born in Valencia, Venezuela, Karen is a world-renowned dancer, choreographer, and TV personality. She’s been a World Mambo Champion and has worked with global stars including Jennifer Lopez.
How old is Karen Hauer?
44 years old (born 20th April 1982)
What is Karen’s height?
Karen stands at 1.65m tall
Where is Karen Hauer from?
Valencia, Venezuela
Is Karen Hauer single?
Karen secretly married Jordan Wyn-Jones in 2022, but the couple split in 2023. She is currently dating Simon Davidson.
What are Karen’s greatest dance achievements?
- World Mambo Champion (2008)
- American Rhythm Rising Star Champion (2009)
- Appeared on So You Think You Can Dance USA (2009)
- Finalist on Strictly in 2020 and 2014, semi-finalist in 2019
How did Karen get into dance?
Karen started dancing at eight years old after moving to New York. She earned a scholarship to the prestigious Martha Graham School, training in Ballet, Contemporary and African dance before specialising in Latin and Ballroom at 19.
Who is Karen Hauer’s professional dance partner?
Gorka Marquez – they have performed spectacular showcases together at Donaheys’ Dancing With The Stars Weekends.
What’s Karen’s favourite dance?
It’s definitely a Latin number!
When did Karen Hauer join Strictly?
Karen bounced onto the Strictly dance floor back in 2012, making Karen the longest-serving female pro.
Who was Karen Hauer’s 2024 Strictly partner?
Karen was paired with former England footballer Paul Merson. Their Week 1 dance – an American Smooth to “Vindaloo” by Fat Les – showed plenty of spirit! Although they exited in Week 4, their routines were full of charm and fun.
Who has Karen Hauer danced with on Strictly?
| Year | Celebrity Partner | Position |
| 2012 | Nicky Byrne | 6th |
| 2013 | Dave Myers | 10th |
| 2014 | Mark Wright | 4th |
| 2015 | Jeremy Vine | 9th |
| 2016 | Will Young | 13th (withdrew after week 3) |
| 2017 | Simon Rimmer | 11th |
| 2018 | Charles Venn | 6th |
| 2019 | Chris Ramsey | 4th |
| 2020 | Jamie Laing | Runner-up (Final) |
| 2021 | Greg Wise | 12th |
| 2022 | Jayde Adams | 12th |
| 2023 | Eddie Kadi | 12th |
| 2024 | Paul Merson | 12th |
| 2025 | Harry Aikines-Aryeetey | 9th |
Has Karen Hauer ever won Strictly?
Hard to believe, but no. Like so many of the uber-talented pro dancers, Karen has yet to nab the glitter ball. However, she did reach the final with Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing in 2020, and former TOWIE star, Mark Wright, back in 2014 plus lifted the Children in Need Strictly trophy with Team GB Olympian, Lutalo Muhammad, in 2016.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners
Has Karen ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Yes. In series 17 Karen’s wig attached itself to Chris Ramsey’s fetching tights during their Samba to Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) by Backstreet Boys in Halloween Week, but ever the consummate pro, Karen styled it out. Also in 2017 her pesky underwear was wreaking havoc during an episode of BBC2’s ‘It Takes Two’ and caused her to exclaim, ‘oh, my bra is down!’
Learn more about Karen’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Kevin Clifton Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
What is Kevin Clifton famous for?
Known affectionately as “Kevin from Grimsby”, Kevin joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and won the Glitterball Trophy in 2018 with Stacey Dooley.
He is also a Youth World Number 1, four-time British Latin Champion, and principal performer in the West End show Burn the Floor.
How old is Kevin Clifton?
44 years old (born 13th October 1982)
What is Kevin’s height?
Kevin stands at 1.78m tall
Where is Kevin Clifton from?
Grimsby of course…in Lincolnshire
Who is Kevin Clifton’s celebrity partner?
Sadly in 2020 Kevin announced he was hanging his Strictly dance shoes up, we’ll miss him from the show.
Is Kevin Clifton in a relationship?
Kevin is currently dating his 2018 celebrity partner Stacey Dooley.
Kevin and Stacey welcomed their daughter Minnie in January 2023.
What are Kevin’s greatest dance achievements?
Kevin comes from good dancing stock. His parents, Keith and Judy Clifton, who are former World Champions taught him Ballroom and Latin dancing at a young age. During his career he has earned the titles of Youth World Number 1, four-time British Latin Champion, and British and International Ballroom Champion. He’s also won International Open titles across the globe in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Spain, Finland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, France, Sweden, Slovakia and Slovenia. Before taking to the Strictly dance floor in 2013, Kevin worked on the show as an assistant choreographer. He also appeared in the stage adaptation of ‘Dirty Dancing’ in 2010 and was the principal dancer in the West End show, ‘Burn the Floor’, where he met Karen.
What’s Kevin’s favourite dance?
Definitely the Paso Doble.
When did Kevin Clifton join Strictly?
He joined way back in 2013 and was quickly given the nickname, ‘Kevin from Grimsby’ by Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Kevin’s sister Joanne Clifton quickly followed, joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2014
Who did Kevin Clifton dance with on Strictly?
Kevin’s dance partners on Strictly include; Susanna Reid, Frankie Bridge, Kellie Bright, Louise Redknapp, Susan Calman, Stacey Dooley and Anneka Rice
Did Kevin Clifton ever win Strictly?
Yes! After several near wins, Kevin finally lifted the Strictly Glitterball Trophy in 2018 with Stacey Dooley. He also won:
- Children in Need Special (2019) with Maisie Smith
- Strictly Christmas Special (2019) with Debbie McGee
Kevin Clifton Theatre Tours
Kevin has starred in many touring musicals & shows including Burn The Floor and Singing In The Rain. It was announced in 2026 that Kevin is taking the lead in The Full Monty tour.
Kevin previously toured the UK in Baz Lurhmans smash hit show Strictly Ballroom The Musical.
Directed by Britain’s best loved TV Judge Craig Revel Horwood, and choreographed by Jason Gilkinson, Strictly Ballroom: The Musical follows arrogant, rebellious young ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings (Kevin Clifton). When his radical and daring dance style sees him fall out of favour with Australian Federation, he must dance with beginner, Fran (Maisie Smith). Together they find the courage to defy tradition and discover that to win, your steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom!
Kevin Clifton Fact
When Kevin was on Strictly Come Dancing, he was affectionately known as Kevin from Grimsby – titled by Sir Bruce Forsyth himself.
Has Kevin ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Well, not so much a wardrobe malfunction, but those swishy red trousers he wore for his Samba with Frankie Bridge in 2014 were a sight to behold. Sorry, Kev.
Learn more about Kevin’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends are not associated with BBC Studios
Karen Hauer Tour Dates & Venues
Stepping Out featured Karen as dance teacher Mavis in the 2026 production. A comedy about a group of amateur tap dancers. The Eastbourne run took place from 13–29 August 2026, followed by a short UK tour. Find details on the producer’s website Karen Hauer Stepping Out theatre show.
Singin’ in the Rain features Karen as Lina Lamont on selected dates from 28 January 2027, sharing the role with Natalie Anderson. A stage musical set in Hollywood as silent films give way to the talkies. Check Karen’s performance dates, venues and ticket availability on the official show website Karen Hauer Singin’ in the Rain theatre tickets.
Kevin Clifton Tour Dates & Venues
Priscilla Queen of the Desert features Kevin as Tick/Mitzi on the 2026 UK & Ireland tour. A stage musical following three friends on a journey across Australia. View dates, venues and ticket availability on the official show website Kevin Clifton Priscilla theatre tickets.
The Full Monty features Kevin as Gaz on the 2027 UK tour. A stage play about a group of Sheffield men with an unusual plan to make ends meet. View dates, venues and ticket availability on the official show website Kevin Clifton tour tickets.
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
