Strictly Come Dancing: Karen Hauer Confirmed As Professional Replacing Katya Virshilas For Next Series

Meet Strictly's Newest Dancer

A new Strictly Come Dancing professional has been confirmed for the next series of the show.

Karen Hauer, 30, who has worked with singer Jennifer Lopez and is a former World Mambo Champion, is the only new professional dancer joining the dance contest.

Ms Hauer, originally from Venezuela, has most recently been seen performing as the principal dancer in Burn The Floor, an international touring dance show.

Karen Hauer, 30, is replacing Katya Virshilas

The ballroom dancer said: "If I could dance how I feel about joining Strictly then you'd be able to see how excited I am!"

She joins last year's winning professional Aliona Vilani, along with Erin Boag, Flavia Cacace, Kristina Rihanoff, Natalie Lowe, Ola Jordan, Anton Du Beke, Artem Chigvintsev, Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Robin Windsor and Vincent Simone.

It was announced last month that Katya Virshilas had been dropped from the hit show.

BBC Controller of Entertainment Katie Taylor said: "We welcome Karen to our Strictly family - we're thrilled to have such a fresh and talented professional join us and I can't wait to see what she will bring to the ballroom this autumn."

The first star to sign up for Strictly 2012 is former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan. The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper joins former England cricket stars Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash, who have previously been contestants.

The series returns later this year with new judge Darcey Bussell, who replaces Alesha Dixon following her departure from the show earlier this year to join the Britain's Got Talent panel.

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