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Karen Hardy to stay in Strictly Come Dancing
Updated 10:31am on 4 Aug 2009Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hardy is likely to stay in the show but in a new role, the BBC said.
New role: Karen Hardy will not be leaving the show
The corporation has been at the centre of a new ageism row after it was reported that 39-year-old Ms Hardy and other experienced professionals were being replaced by dancers in their 20s for the new series.
The news followed the controversy over the decision to oust Arlene Phillips, 66, from the judging panel on the BBC1 show in favour of former winner Alesha Dixon.
In pictures: Karen Hardy's Strictly Come Dancing highlights
Ms Hardy, who won with cricketer Mark Ramprakash in 2006, said last night: "I've enjoyed a great four years on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm discussing new ways I can be both involved in the show this year and pursue a number of exciting projects and opportunities that have come my way."
A BBC spokesman said: "The decision to change Karen's role has absolutely nothing to do with age. It was a mutual decision between her and the BBC.
"She's been a fantastic dancer on Strictly for the past four years and we are in discussions with her as to what her new role will be in this year's series."
An insider said this could involve a role in spin off show It Takes Two, on BBC2.
Reader views (2)
Karen would've made a far more suitable replacement for Arlene. No disrespect to Alesha, but just because she won the show, doesn't make her an expert.
- Janeyrae, Plymouth UK, 04/08/2009 19:19
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Hmm, this sounds a bit like "Arlene is to stay with the BBC in a different role", i.e. they offered her a "roving reporter" job on The One Show (one of the most irritating shows ever) which she sensibly turned down. Damage limitation anyone .....
- Louise, Essex, 04/08/2009 10:21
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