Karen Hardy axed for being 'too old' for Strictly Come Dancing

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Winner: Karen Hardy, 39, took the Strictly crown with Mark Ramprakash

Except this time the latest victim is just 39. Karen Hardy, the oldest female dancer on the hit BBC programme, is being replaced by two dancers in their 20s.

A source told today's Daily Mirror: "Karen is gone and it is no surprise seeing what is happening to older females at the BBC. As far as the bosses are concerned they are keeping things fresh and exciting but some may see it as ageism.

"Karen wants to branch out with work but the BBC were happy for her to leave. They made the decision. Despite Karen being one of the best dancers she is gone and it seems to be another sign that bosses want to make the series younger to try to take some of the X Factor audience."

In pictures: Axed Karen Hardy's Strictly Come Dancing highlights

Ms Hardy is one of the most acclaimed dancers on the show and a former British and world champion. She won series four of Strictly with the cricketer Mark Ramprakash - providing some of the most memorable performances in the show's history. But last year she failed to shine with the somewhat ungainly chef Gary Rhodes.

Ms Hardy is being replaced by Katya Virshilas, a 25-year-old from Lithuania, and Natalie Lowe, 28, from Australia. Hayley Holt, 28, who appeared in just one series of Strictly, partnering the swimmer Mark Foster, is also understood to be making way.

Ms Hardy's demise follows the decision to replace Ms Phillips with 30-year-old Alesha Dixon, a former winner of the show but with no formal ballroom dancing background. Aficionados have been horrified by the decision and will be aghast that Ms hardy appears to have also fallen foul of ageism.

A BBC spokesman said: "We cannot comment on the line up of the new dancers as yet but we will be announcing full details in the coming weeks."

In pictures: Axed Karen Hardy's Strictly Come Dancing highlights