BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer breaks silence on exit with Paul Merson with nod to legend

Karen Hauer has addressed her exit from Strictly Come Dancing in a message to Paul Merson with a nod to a show legend. The professional dancer and her celebrity dance partner became the fourth couple to leave the BBC One dance contest over the weekend.

On Saturday night (October 19), former footballer Paul and pro dancer Karen were seen back in the ballroom after making it through to week five of the BBC One dance contest following their magnificent quickstep the previous weekend.

However, they only got 19 points from the judges for their samba to Car Wash by R&B group Rose Royce, with Paul saying he "still didn’t know the dance" before performing it, and challenged judge Craig Revel Horwood to a football match for the low score.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans work out show 'curse' after JB Gill and Amy Dowden dance-off

But it was then during Sunday night's (October 19) results show that Paul and Karen found themselves out of Strictly 2024 following a dance-off against JB Gill and Amy Dowden.

Both couples performed their routines again, which including JB and his partner Amy's Jive to Hey Ya! by Outkast, before the judges all favoured to save JB and Amy, sending Paul and Karen home.

Following the airing of the pre-recorded results show, Karen took to social media with a message for Paul. Alongside pictures of them in action on the famous Strictly dancefloor, she said: "There’s a Couple of things I came away with from teaching the legend that is Paul Merson...

"1. Not shying away from a challenge. 2. You “MUST” have Fun. But most importantly, 3. Live in the moment." She added: "Thank you @paulmerseofficial. Like Bruce would say, 'You’re My Favourite' @bbcstrictly."

And fans were quick to show their support. @jasontinney_ said: "@karenhauer & @paulmerseofficial you are EXACTLY what strictly is about! Loved seeing your improvement every week!!" @jane.berry.56 commented: "I’m GUTTED. LOVED seeing Paul’s progress ! Wish you could have stayed in longer. Massive well done to Paul and Karen your an amazing teacher."

@nyealison wrote: "Gutted to see you leave. Karen you have turned Paul into a dancer. Will miss you both, you made it so much fun." @inthespotlightwithsharon replied: "Loved how Paul gave it all a good go!! Will miss this partnership!! All about the fun!" @emma_gittinsx added: "Well done guys. You were amazing. You brought so much entertainment and fun. Gonna miss you."

Paul, meanwhile, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Thank you all so much for the support throughout the show and thank you @karen_hauer been a pleasure!"