Strictly's Karen Hauer reveals who isn't allowed in her inner circle after BBC show row

Strictly Come Dancing's longest-serving female professional Karen Hauer has opened up about her close-knit relationships on the show, which she joined back in 2012. As she prepares to return for a landmark 20th series of the beloved dance competition, Karen has shared insights into who she bonds with most, and the reasons behind her selective inner circle.

With familiar faces like Gorka Marquez, Dianne Buswell, Graziano Di Prima, and Amy Dowden also returning to compete for the coveted Glitterball trophy this year, fans might wonder if the camaraderie on-screen translates off-screen.

In the lead-up to her tour alongside Gorka, 42-year-old Karen spoke warmly of their friendship, attributing their closeness to shared personality traits and their ability to communicate in Spanish.

Karen added of her fellow pro: "That's why I guess we have a very close circle of friends because we're pretty much the same. We like good energy. If you can't take a joke, you can't hang out with us."

Going on to emphasise the importance of humour and light-heartedness, she added: "You have to have fun and banter - we love good banter. It's always been like that since the beginning."

When asked about specific members of the Strictly family within her circle, Karen revealed that Jowita Przystal and Luba Mushtuk are among her cherished friends, reports the Express.

Speaking to Heat Magazine, she remarked of Luba: "Sometimes she can be a bit spicy, she doesn't take jokes too well, but we're all pretty friendly. Neil [Jones] is awesome."

The group of five have their own WhatsApp group named 'The Back of the bus', which reflects on their usual spot during the nationwide professionals tour.

She added of their bond: "Everybody likes to hang out with us because we're just really cool."

As Strictly gears up for its 20th anniversary this year, Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC, has teased fans with the promise of "a very special programme".

While details about the upcoming series remain a secret, Karen shared that even the pros are in the dark, sharing: "The only thing we know is that we're coming back and we start next month. Once that starts, they will let us know bit by bit what we're doing throughout the season."

Giovanni Pernice, who has been part of the show since 2015, will not return this year. He's currently the subject of an internal investigation after claims surfaced regarding his alleged "militant" approach during training.

The rumours intensified after Amanda Abbington quit the show citing "personal reasons" just five weeks into the 2023 series. It has now been confirmed by Carter Ruck solicitors that three of Giovanni's former celebrity partners have lodged complaints, prompting the ongoing investigation.

A representative for Giovanni spoke to The Sun, stating: "Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni's evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process."

He added: "As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants."

Giovanni has categorically denied any wrongdoing and in May expressed his eagerness to clear his name. He concluded his statement by saying: "Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!".