Split from Strictly Kevin traumatic, says ex Karen
STRICTLY star Kevin Clifton’s former wife Karen has spoken about their “traumatic” split – but says she is good pals with his new love Stacey Dooley.
Karen Hauer, 37, tied the knot with the dancer in 2015 but announced their break-up three years later.
She has since found love with singer David Webb, while Kevin is in a relationship with Stacey – who he was partnered with on the TV show.
Venezuelan-born Karen said: “The year we broke up was traumatic and heartbreaking. A marriage ending is never something you expect to happen, or want.
“It was a shock for us both, but I think it was a long time coming and we ignored the signs. We both had different schedules, long working days, and just didn’t see each other very much.
“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.”
The dancer admitted the split left her in turmoil and that she “couldn’t see the way ahead.”
She told Closer magazine: “I wasn’t sleeping, eating or taking care of myself properly for a while. 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 act a certain way, to be the perfect girl with the perfect hair and always smile. Now I feel grounded and comfortable with who I am.”
Speaking about David, she said: “There was an instant connection. He always makes me laugh, which is so sexy, and he’s good looking, creative and into self-care, like me.”
Karen added that she “admired and respected” Kevin, also 37, and that they would always be friends. Kevin
got together with documentary maker Stacey, 33, after they lifted the Glitterball trophy as winners of the 16th series of Strictly in 2018.
Karen revealed: “I love Stacey to bits, we get on very well. It won’t be weird to see us all hanging out together as couples.”
Kevin has now quit Strictly after seven years – during which time he appeared in five finals – to pursue other projects, including writing a TV drama about the ballroom world. He said: “I want to leave on a high.”