BBC Strictly Come Dancing pros 'outraged' after show axes longest-serving star

BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars are reportedly outraged at show bosses for axing a "fit and committed" longest-serving professional dancer Karen Hauer amid an ageism row. BBC pros have slammed Strictly Come Dancing bosses over the controversial decision.

Stars are outraged at the show's bosses axing its longest-serving professional dancer Karen Hauer. Hauer's role on the programme is under threat 12 years after she joined back in 2012 following her early elimination from the current series in week three with Paul Merson.

At the age of 42, Karen is the longest-serving pro but isn't the only older star on the show whose future was reported to be under threat by The Sun newspaper. Nadiya Bychkova and Katya Jones could also face the axe, as well as Neil Jones and Gorka Marquez.

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One told the Mail: "It is absolutely outrageous Karen would be booted off the show. She is absolutely committed, she is so fit, an amazing dancer and she has never cause Strictly any problems at all. While the show has been under so much scrutiny in the last nine months, none of it has involved her. She is a total pro, it all smacks of Arlene Phillips, get rid of the older woman and replace her with a younger one.

"She is such a safe pair of hands, she can be coupled with anyone and gives it her best. It would be devastating to for the BBC to get rid of the older women, you expect more from them." A source told The Sun: "There's the fear that being on the show leaves them more open to feeling entitled and untouchable.

"It's not a done deal, and it's not just going to be a case of the oldest or longest-serving being shown the door. It would be a carefully considered process, with other factors taken into account too."