was supported by her boyfriend Simon Davidson and former Strictly co-stars as she made her first public appearance since being sensationally axed from the show.
The dancer, who had been longest-serving pro, was informed by bosses earlier this month that her contract would not be renewed, joining several pros who wouldn't be returning to the show.
Despite being left 'very upset' by the axe, Karen was in better spirits as she joined her boyfriend at The London Cabaret Club's gala in partnership with The King's Trust, held at the iconic Bloomsbury Ballroom.
The dancer cut a glamorous figure in an off-the-shoulder black gown as she posed for snaps alongside the stars in attendance.
Also in attendance was and , who previously competed on Strictly during Karen's time on the show.
The gala saw 14 young performers take to the stage after completing a two week professional training programme.
Karen Hauer was supported by her boyfriend Simon Davidson and former Strictly co-stars as she made her first public appearance since being sensationally axed from the BBC show
The dancer, who had been Strictly's longest-serving pro, was informed by bosses earlier this month that her contract would not be renewed
Despite being left 'very upset' by the axe, Karen was in better spirits as she joined her boyfriend at The London Cabaret Club's gala in partnership with The King's Trust
Tasha, who is an ambassador for The King's Trust, opted for an eye-catching leather dress as she attended the gala with her boyfriend Cam Whitnall.
Earlier this month Daily Mail revealed that Karen was the latest cast member to be sensationally dropped from the hit BBC show, with insiders claiming the entire line-up of professional dancers could be set for a major overhaul.
Karen – the show's longest-serving female professional – has performed on the programme for 13 years. She was informed of the decision in recent days.
Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35, were also axed from the series, with sources claiming all of the Strictly pros are already aware of their fate.
One insider said: 'Karen is the latest professional dancer to be told her contract will not be renewed this year.
'It's very much a case of out with the old and in with the new. As the longest-serving female dancer, Karen found out last week that her time on Strictly is over.'
A second source added: 'It's an awful fate for the professional dancers who have dedicated their careers to the show.
'Karen was obviously very upset after being told the news, but she is trying to remain positive about the future. She works as a choreographer and knows she can focus more on that, as well as her work in the fitness industry.
The dancer cut a glamorous figure in an off-the-shoulder black gown as she posed for snaps alongside the stars in attendance
Tasha Ghouri, who competed on Strictly in 2024, cut a glamorous figure in a plunging black leather dress
Tasha, who is an ambassador for The King's Trust, opted for an eye-catching grey metallic dress as she attended the gala with her boyfriend Cam Whitnall
Helen George, who appeared on Strictly in 2015, posed up a storm in a delicate pale pink satin mini dress
'It's also looking increasingly likely that Aljaž Škorjanec will not return, while Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have been given the green light to stay.'
Despite her long-standing commitment, Karen has never won the Strictly glitterball trophy, though she did reach the final with Mark in 2014.
Karen was previously married to former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, but their marriage ended after three years. Despite the split, the pair continued to work together on the show.
The Daily Mail has contacted Karen's spokesperson for comment.
Sources suggest bosses are aiming for an entirely fresh start following years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.
Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner on the show, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34.
It's believed they may still appear in the big group dance numbers.
