In this episode of We Need To Talk, Strictly Come Dancing’s Karen Hauer sits down with Paul for a conversation that goes far beyond the ballroom.
Karen reflects on the defining moments that have shaped her life. From Venezuela to New York to the UK, Karen shares the ambition that drove her, the heartbreak that nearly broke her, and how dance became her language of survival.
In her most vulnerable interview yet, Karen opens up about one of her most public relationships - the breakdown of a marriage that played out in the public eye. She reveals what really happened behind the headlines.
For the first time, Karen speaks candidly about one of the most painful chapters of her life, the lessons she’s learnt about love, and how she’s finally putting herself first.
Karen also lifts the curtain on Strictly - sharing what the audience doesn’t see, her thoughts on the infamous “Strictly curse,” and just how competitive the show really gets.
This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of choosing yourself.
Please note this conversation includes sensitive topics that may be distressing. We’ve included support charities below:
MIND: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ne9MpdtBjTb
Survivor's Trust: https://g2ul0.app.link/yh0NrvNsvTb
Refuge: https://g2ul0.app.link/td2zqEPpGTb
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(0:00) Intro
(1:55) Karen's Childhood Experience of Moving from Venezuela to New York
(3:35) How Karen Discovered Her Love of Dancing
(5:02) How Karen's Parents Split Up
(9:04) Karen's Early Love-Life
(11:55) The Beginnings of Karen's Career as a Dancer and 'So You Think You Can Dance?'
(14:38) Karen's First Marriage
(16:02) 'Repetition Compulsion'
(18:07) Karen's Most High Profile Marriage
(23:15) Karen's Audition for 'Strictly Come Dancing'
(24:22) Karen's Experience of Moving to the UK and Starting on Strictly
(25:26) How Karen's Marriage Was Affected by Being on Strictly
(27:08) How Karen's Second Marriage Ended
(36:02) Karen Addresses the Strictly 'Curse'
(41:33) What Keeps Karen Coming Back for Strictly?
(43:46) How Competitive Is Strictly?
(48:20) Tinder Ad
(49:36) Crossed Wires Ad
(50:38) Karen Opens Up On Traumatic Relationship
(1:21:34) Karen's Future
(1:25:18) Most Memorable Conversation
(1:28:54) Paul's Takeaways
We Need To Talk: LIVE! Join Paul us for our first ever We Need To Talk live show - coming to Crossed Wires in Sheffield on 5th July 2025.
Be part of the conversation, in person https://g2ul0.app.link/VOjDM0icWSb
Just launched - The Love Journal - a space to build a stronger, more intentional relationship - starting with yourself: https://bit.ly/lovejournal-mp
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