BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer says 'who is that' as fans barely recognise star amid news

Karen Hauer distracted fans as she revealed the news she'd be returning to Strictly Come Dancing and even asked herself 'who is that?' The dancer confirmed the news by sharing the first promo picture she ever took for the show back in 2012.

It was announced on Monday (June 10) which professional dancers will be returning to the ballroom later this year as the BBC One dance contest celebrates its 20th birthday.

In its first big announcement of the year, it was confirmed that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return as hosts and the judges' desks will see the return of head judge Shirley alongside Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton Du Beke.

READ MORE: Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson ask fans two-word question after 'final' joint announcement

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Meanwhile, the dancers who will return include Karen, Amy Dowden, who had missed competing on Strictly last year after she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, and 2023 winner Vito Coppola.

Completing Strictly's 18-strong pro line-up are: Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Graziano Di Prima, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.

Later, taking to Instagram, Karen shared her first-ever Strictly photo, in which she could be seen sporting a pink dress with dazzling details on the torso while her long, dark locks were softly curled, and said: "How Time flies…"

She continued: "Back for my 13th series. Throwback pic of Little old me on my 1st series. Let’s celebrate 20 years of the best entertainment show #keepdancing @bbcstrictly #13 #20years."

Among the first to respond was Karen's boyfriend, rugby star Simon Davidson who said: "Proud of you #13." before her co-stars, fans and followers also shared in the joy of the news. But as they did, some were left surprised by Karen's photo.

@nickib1343 said: "12 years and you've not aged one bit Those face masks are definitely working." @vickysimmonds1980 asked: "Have you even aged?!" @the_tls added: "Didn't even recognise you," to which Karen replied: "I know right!! Like who is that," alongside a string of crying laughing emojis.