Strictly's Karen Hauer says she's enjoying a stress-free life after show axe as she explains why she won't be tuning in for tonight's launch

She was the longest serving Strictly professional before she was culled from the show in a pro dancer bloodbath.

Yet with the new series set to launch tonight, Karen Hauer has revealed that she doesn't miss being on the programme and is enjoying the time off after a more than a decade on the dancefloor. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Karen mused: 'For 14 years I was locked in, and that's what I wanted... You can't go in halfway and that's what all the pros do, and that's why it's so intense. 

'You can't go, well I'm going to take the day off today, it doesn't work like that, and it doesn't work like that in any job either way. I was locked in and disciplined.

'I have some great memories from Strictly, but do I miss being in it? No. I like having a little less stress and a little bit more time.

'I know the process and I know how hard it is. I love seeing the new trailers and it's great seeing that energy, but I'm loving my time now. I feel very positive.'

Despite Karen enjoying the clips she's seen promoting the show, she revealed she won't be tuning in for the launch because she'll be working. 

Karen is currently starring in the touring production of Stepping Out, in which she plays dance teacher Mavis.

She landed her role in the stage show just weeks after the Strictly lineup reshuffle and explained: 'I feel like I haven't stopped in a way, and I think mentally that's great.

'I've never just laid down and cried about things, I don't have time for that, you know.

'I feel really good. I have a really good circle of friends around me that are supportive and my partner Simon and my dogs.'

Of her new job, Karen added: 'I love what I do. I've always loved theatre, and I've always loved performing and doing a live performance on an everyday basis.

'I love that connection that I have with the public and I love that connection that I have with other humans around me on stage.'

Yet while Karen is enjoying her time on the stage, she revealed she hasn't ruled out a comeback to Strictly, saying she'd be open to returning down the line in some capacity, such as a judge. 

'I am taking opportunities as they come,' Karen explained. 'If an opportunity like that comes I will welcome it. 

'I have a lot of love for the show and something that I will always carry with me to everything that I do is the experience that I gained for 14 years on Strictly.'

For now, Karen is waiting to see what Strictly will look like after the hosting revamp that's seen Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman replaced by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.

'It's hard because you had Tess and Claudia who'd been there for a very long time,' Karen mused. 'But you have Emma who is a megastar, she knows what she's doing.

'She's an incredible woman, and I love that, seeing a woman just owning it.

'And Josh is a dear friend of mine, we were paired up on the Christmas special and we have that connection.

'I'm really looking forward to his humour and his relatability. He's done the show so he knows what happens and that's what you need.

'And then we have Johannes, who's incredible on all cylinders. Not only does he know the inside, but he knows the "in-ins". I mean, it's a win-win.'

Now as Karen prepares for her first winter without Strictly in 14 years, she is working with Burns Pet Nutrition to host The Burns Bravery Awards in November, and is calling on the nation to nominate Britain's Bravest Dog.

From Search & Rescue and assistance dogs to rescue dogs, working dogs and beloved family companions, the campaign is inviting people to come forward with deserving dogs.

Karen said: 'I'm a dog lover and I have four incredible rescue dogs who mean the world to me, so being part of these incredible awards is a dream come true in a way.

'A lot of people have different dreams, but my dream is always to, you know, be talking about dogs and how incredible they are and the meaning that they have to us.

'We're asking for everyone across the country to nominate a dog that's done something for them or that they've seen doing incredible jobs.

'We want to hear their stories and we want to share their stories with everyone around them.

'What I say about my dogs is that I rescued them, but they actually rescued me. They support us, they comfort us, it's beautiful. 

'The instincts that they have to nurture and to know when you're in danger, when you are feeling low, how it helps with our mental well-being, how it helps with our physical well-being.

'We have our own little personal trainers with us and our psychologists.'

You can nominate a brave dog and learn more about the awards at https://burnspet.co.uk/pages/burns-bravery-awards