Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer says Dave Myers helped her ‘fall back in love with the show’ – as she reveals sadness over Giovanni Pernice’s departure
Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer says Dave Myers helped her ‘fall in love again’ with the show after she was linked to the Hairy Bikers star in 2013.
The presenter, who traveled the world with best friend Si King for a series of popular cooking shows, died on February 28 at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
Asked about her favorite celebrity dance partners on Tuesday’s edition of Good Morning Britain, she said: I love them all, but one that is very close to my heart is Dave Myers, who I absolutely adored.
“He was just everything, he was a bundle of joy. He made me enjoy Strictly and made sure I could always be myself and not take myself too seriously.’
Strictly Come Dancing pro Karen Hauer says Dave Myers helped her ‘fall in love again’ with the show after she was linked to the Hairy Bikers star in 2013
Hauer admits his zest for life had an impact that lasted long after their departure in week seven during the eleventh series of the long-running BBC leading man
Hauer appeared on the show with fellow Strictly professional Gorka Marquez as they promoted their current SPEAKEASY tour of the UK.
And they admitted the return to the BBC show will be bittersweet following the departure of close friend Giovanni Pernice.
“I guess it’s like when [professional dancer] Aljaž [Škorjanec] leaves or when Anton [Du Beke] decides to take on the jury role,” Gorka said.
“Everyone plays a big role in the show. When someone decides to leave or change careers, it’s sad for everyone.”
The cast of Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly banned from talking about Giovanni Pernice’s bullying row.
Bosses are said to be concerned that the show’s family-friendly reputation has been tarnished and want to do everything they can to stop people talking.
The BBC launched an investigation after Giovanni, 33, was accused of ‘bullying’ while working with celebrity contestants on the dancing show, including Amanda Abbingdon, Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore.
The show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and executives hope the focus can be on that, rather than on the Pernice saga.
The presenter, who traveled the world with best friend Si King for a series of popular cooking shows, died on February 28 at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer.
Hauer appeared on the show with fellow Strictly professional Gorka Marquez as they promoted their current SPEAKEASY tour of the UK
The crackdown from executives comes after head judge Shirley Ballas defended the professional dancer when she appeared on ITV’s Lorraine, calling him a ‘perfect gentleman’.
A source said The sun: ‘We’re just weeks away from the reveal of the 2024 cast and bosses fear the scandal is now dangerously close to overshadowing the new series.
‘A lot of work has gone into it because it’s the 20th anniversary and everyone is still talking about Giovanni.
‘Shirley launching such a passionate defense of him was far from helpful and fanned the flames. The bosses hope it will help gag the cast.”
They added that all professionals are trained in how to handle questions and work around difficult topics.
Strictly Come Dancing cast reportedly banned from discussing Giovanni Pernice’s bullying feud
The BBC launched an investigation after Giovanni was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with Strictly contestants including Amanda Abbingdon (pictured)