Updated: December 21, 2025
Karen Hauer, the fiery Venezuelan-American dancer, has been lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom since 2012. As the longest-serving female professional on the show, she’s dazzled audiences with her Latin expertise and unbreakable spirit. But beyond the glitz and sequins, fans are often curious about her personal life, especially her relationships and husbands. In this post, we’ll dive into Karen Hauer’s romantic history, her current love story, and what makes her such an inspiring figure both on and off the dance floor.
Table of Contents
Who Is Karen Hauer?
Born on April 20, 1982, in Venezuela, Karen Hauer moved to the US as a young girl and quickly fell in love with dance. She’s a World Mambo Champion and has choreographed for stars like Jennifer Lopez. Karen joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, replacing Flavia Cacace, and has since become a fan favorite.
Some quick highlights of her career:
- Longest-serving female pro on Strictly (as of 2025, entering her 14th series).
- Known for high-energy routines in Salsa, Samba, and Cha-Cha.
- Has partnered with celebrities like Nicky Byrne, Mark Wright, and most recently, comedian Eddie Kadi in previous series.
Karen’s passion for dance started early, and she’s never looked back. Her professionalism and warmth make her a standout in the Strictly family.
Karen Hauer’s Relationship Timeline
Karen’s love life has been as dynamic as her dance moves. She’s been married three times and is now happily in a relationship. Here’s a breakdown:
| Husband/Partner | Years Together | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Hauer | 2000–2009 | First husband and former dance partner; auditioned together for So You Think You Can Dance. |
| Kevin Clifton | Married 2015–2018 | Fellow Strictly pro; they toured together post-divorce and remain friends. |
| Jordan Wyn-Jones | Married 2022–2023 | Met during the pandemic; split after 16 months, citing career demands. |
| Simon Davidson (Current) | Dating since late 2023 | Ex-rugby player and sports marketer; described as her “first proper relationship” in recent interviews. |
Karen has been open about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with relationships. In 2025 interviews, she reflected on past heartbreaks, particularly with Kevin Clifton, saying it “hurt deeply” but taught her valuable lessons.
Life on Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly isn’t just a job for Karen—it’s her passion. As of December 2025, she’s gearing up for another season, having just announced collaborations like teaching with Gorka Márquez in 2026. Her partnerships often bring drama and excitement:
- Memorable moments include reaching the semi-finals and winning a Children in Need special.
- She’s known for pushing celebrities out of their comfort zones while being incredibly supportive.
Off the floor, Karen deals with the infamous “Strictly curse,” which has affected many pros. Her split from Jordan Wyn-Jones was partly attributed to the show’s intense schedule, but she’s bounced back stronger.
Karen’s Current Romance and Future Plans
Today, Karen is smitten with boyfriend Simon Davidson. The couple went public in early 2024, and by 2025, Karen has hinted at wedding bells again. In a recent podcast, she shared:
- Simon is supportive of her career.
- This relationship feels different—more balanced and fulfilling.
- She’s open to marriage number four, saying she’d “never say never.”
Fans love seeing Karen happy, often commenting on her glowing Instagram posts with Simon.
Conclusion
Karen Hauer is more than a Strictly star—she’s a resilient woman who’s navigated love, loss, and triumph with grace. From her early days with Matthew to finding joy with Simon today, her story reminds us that life (like dance) is about embracing new steps. Whether she’s spinning across the ballroom or sharing glimpses of her personal life, Karen inspires us to keep moving forward. Here’s to more glitter, passion, and happiness for this dancing queen!