Strictly's Karen Hauer's former dance partner Simon Rimmer says he is 'absolutely gutted' as he addresses her axing amid huge show shake-up - as pro remains silent

Karen Hauer's former Strictly dance partner Simon Rimmer has shared that he is 'absolutely gutted' as he responded to the news that she has been axed from the show. 

The Sunday Brunch host, 62, who danced with Karen, 43, in 2017, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share his sadness after her contract wasn't renewed by bosses as he paid tribute to his 'friend for life'. 

The Daily Mail exclusively reported Karen, who joined Strictly in 2012, was informed of the decision to not renew her contract days ago. 

Karen, who is the longest-serving female dancer on the show, is yet to comment on the huge show shake-up but sources say she is 'distraught'. 

Alongside a photo from their time on Strictly, Simon wrote: 'absolutely gutted that the very best teacher and dancer @karenhauer has been axed from @bbcstrictly – thanks for everything Karen #friendsforlife'. 

Fans echoed Simon's thoughts as they wrote: 'Very strange move from Strictly! @karenhauer is a staple part of the show! Will be very much missed x';

'Karen's been there since the beginning, she is amazing. No loyalty from the BBC. I wish her and the other amazing dancers that have been axed the best for their future endeavours.' 

'She is the best. There is no-one better!!';

'Nooooooooooo I love @karenhauer. She's such a beautiful dancer. Why???' (sic). 

It comes after Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35, were also axed from the series, with sources claiming all of the Strictly pros are already aware of their fate. 

One insider told the Daily Mail: 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.

'It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.' 

A second source added: 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show.

'Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.

'It's also looking increasingly likely that Aljaž Škorjanec will not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have been given the green light to stay.'  

Karen's last celebrity partner on the series was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, while the year before she danced with former footballer Paul Merson and, in 2023, comedian Eddie Kadi.

She showcased her versatility as a choreographer by performing with comic Jayde Adams in 2022, following on from Katya Jones, who was the first Strictly female pro to perform in a same-sex pairing.

Other celebrity partners Karen has performed with included TOWIE's Mark Wright, one of the first reality stars signed to the show.

Despite her long-standing commitment, Karen has never won the Strictly glitterball trophy, though she did reach the final with Mark in 2014.

Karen was previously married to former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, but their marriage ended after three years. Despite the split, the pair continued to work together on the show.

The Daily Mail has contacted Karen's spokesperson for comment.

Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers. 

Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34.

It's believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.