KATIE HIND: The pattern forming as Strictly axes another star

Strictly's executive producer has quick-stepped into a vicious ageism row over the sacking of the show’s longest-serving female professional dancer, Karen Hauer.

Programme chief Sarah James came under fire last night after posting a glowing tribute to Ms Hauer online, just two weeks after brutally axing the star ahead of her 44th birthday next month.

Friends of the dumped dancer accused the BBC executive of hypocrisy over the post, telling The Mail on Sunday: ‘If Sarah loved Karen so much then why did she get rid of her?’

It came in response to Ms James taking the unprecedented step of posting a glowing tribute to Ms Hauer on social media yesterday.

The gushing statement said the dancer – who was born in Venezuela and grew up in the Bronx district of New York – ‘captivated audiences with her talent, warmth and genuine love of dance and has been responsible for some of the most iconic partnerships and joyous routines the Strictly dance floor has ever seen’.

But those close to the star are furious at Ms James, describing her move as ‘hypocritical nonsense’ and ‘playing to the gallery to make herself feel good’.

One told the MoS: ‘We believe Sarah is now trying to protect herself. The BBC wants younger women so they sacked the one they believed to be too old. She should be ashamed of herself for sacking a popular dancer who is in her 40s. They should have more respect for older people.

‘Karen is devastated and is scared about her future. She was loyal, worked really hard and was an ambassador for the show. It has been really tough for her. She has been sacked for her age.

‘This is becoming an unfortunate pattern with the BBC. Look what they did to Arlene Phillips . They sacked her [from the Strictly judging panel in 2009] and replaced her with a younger judge, Alesha Dixon, and that all went wrong.’

 Ms Hauer, who was married to fellow Strictly pro Kevin Clifton between 2015 and 2018, was dropped from Strictly after 14 years this month, along with Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle ­Tsiakkas and Luba Mustak.

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Show insiders said they were axed after BBC research showed they were the least popular. However, that is not thought to have applied to Ms Hauer, insist her friends.

They also cite how Anton Du Beke was working as a professional dancer on Strictly way into his 50s before he hung up his ballroom shoes to become a judge.

Ms James’s statement appeared just minutes after Ms Hauer posted an emotional video on social media where she spoke for the first time about her sacking.

She said in the clip: ‘It’s a tough one, but here we go. After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I’m passionate about.

‘Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people [who] I admire so much.’