Strictly dancer Karen Hauer has spoken of her “traumatic” break-up with Kevin Clifton and revealed she and his new love Stacey Dooley are now the best of friends.
Venezuelan Karen, 37, who joined Strictly in 2012, wed fellow dance pro Kevin in 2015, but in 2018 they announced it was all over.
Karen said: “The year we broke up was traumatic and heartbreaking. It was a shock for us both, but I think it was something that was a long time coming and we ignored the signs.
“We both had different schedules, long working days, and we just didn’t see each other very much.”
Speaking to Closer magazine, she said: “When I look back, I don’t think we were ready for marriage. We were still growing as performers, as people, as lovers, and sometimes you just can’t find the right way to fix things.”
She has since found love with singer David Webb, while Kevin, 37, is in a relationship with documentary maker Stacey, 33, the Strictly partner he won the Glitterball trophy with in 2018.
Karen and Stacey both took part in the Strictly live shows earlier this year and hit it off.
Karen said: “I’ve just toured with Stacey and I love her to bits.
“We get on very well. It won’t be weird to see us all hanging out together as couples.”
She and Kevin have also stayed on good terms.
She said: “I admire and respect Kevin and I know he feels the same about me. He will always be my friend.
“My separation from Kevin led me to a path of prioritising myself and sorting myself out and making changes.
“I used to think I had to be the perfect girl with the perfect hair and always smile. Now I feel grounded and comfortable with who I am.”
Of David, she said: “There was an instant connection when we met. I wouldn’t say no to marriage again. I’ve definitely not been put off.”
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033
