Karen Hauer who rose to fame from Strictly Come Dancing opened up about her decision to quit booze after admitting she was binge drinking to mask emotional pain.

The 43-year-old dancer marked one year of sobriety on social media with an emotional post calling quitting one of her bravest steps taken so far.

Sharing a photo of herself on Instagram, she wrote, “One year alcohol free..

“I faced my raw self for the first time… scared, sad, angry. But also clearer. Pausing. Progressing.

“I hid behind ‘just having fun’ but deep down I was closing my eyes tightly, gritting my teeth, hoping the pain would stop.”

Describing the lifestyle change as transformative, she continued:

“Turns out the bravest thing I’ve done was stop running from myself.

“Now I’m slowly better at reasoning with myself understanding why I feel the way I do and allowing myself to feel it all.

“Even when my heartbeat races and my mind overthinks. That’s my process of healing and I’m okay with that.”

Karen ended her post by thanking those closest to her and looking ahead to the year ahead, writing:

“Here’s to many more positive days ahead, with love, support and my little family – Simon and my four gorgeous dogs.

“Take care of yourselves in 2026.”