Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer has shared a powerful and candid admission about her decision to quit drinking, marking a significant milestone of one year of sobriety.
A Year of Facing Herself
The 43-year-old professional dancer took to Instagram to celebrate her achievement, posting an elegant black and white photograph alongside a deeply personal message. She revealed that her relationship with alcohol was a way to avoid confronting difficult feelings.
"One year alcohol free. I faced my raw self for the first time… scared, sad, angry. But also clearer. Pausing. Progressing," she wrote. Hauer confessed that she had hidden behind the guise of "just having fun," while internally she was struggling. "I was closing my eyes tightly, gritting my teeth, hoping the pain would stop," she added.
The Bravest Decision Amid Personal Turmoil
This journey to sobriety came during a period of considerable personal challenge for Hauer, including her third divorce last year. Despite this, she stated that giving up alcohol was the "bravest" action she has ever taken.
"Turns out the bravest thing I’ve done was stop running from myself," she explained. The dancer described her ongoing healing process, saying she is now better at understanding her emotions. "Now I’m slowly better at reasoning with myself understanding why I feel the way I do and allowing myself to feel it all," Hauer shared.
She acknowledged that even with a racing heartbeat and an overthinking mind, this is her path to recovery, and she is at peace with it.
Support from Loved Ones and Strictly Family
In her post, Hauer expressed gratitude for her support system, specifically thanking her boyfriend of two years, Simon Davidson, and her four dogs. She signed off with a hopeful message for the future: "Here’s to many more positive days ahead, with love, support and my little family… Take care of yourselves in 2026."
Her Strictly colleagues were quick to offer their congratulations in the comments. Fellow professionals and celebrities, including Vicky Pattison and Jowita Przystal, sent their support for her sobriety milestone.
This personal revelation comes as the BBC has reportedly introduced stricter guidelines for its Strictly professional dancers. A new 16-page 'Pro Dancer Guidelines' document is said to prohibit behaviours such as swearing, excessive drinking, and wearing inappropriate clothing.
Hauer has spoken openly in the past about how her previous marriages, including her split from fellow dancer Kevin Clifton and her 16-month marriage to Jordan Wyn-Jones, affected her. She described the latter relationship as "toxic" and said it left her in a constant state of panic.
Now, embracing a life without alcohol, Karen Hauer continues to move forward, focusing on her healing, her career on the nation's favourite dance show, and her cherished personal life.
