It’s been reported by a number of media outlets over the last few days that World Mambo Champion Karen Hauer is to join the cast of professional dancers on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, and now, it’s been officially confirmed that she will.

Karen, who’s 30 years old and originally from Venezuela, is set to replace dancer Katya Virshila.

Speaking to the BBC’s Strictly website, Karen said, ‘”If I could dance how I feel about joining strictly, then you’d be able to see how excited I am.”

The announcement continues, “Most recently Karen starred as a principal dancer in the hit show ‘Burn The Floor’. She is a ballroom dancer from Valencia, Venezuela who moved to New York when she was eight years old.”

Karen, who is also a choreographer, has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, including Jennifer Lopez. She’s won numerous awards for her dancing, including landing the World Mambo Champion in 2008 and Professional American Rhythm Rising Star Champion in 2009.

Of Karen’s appointment to the show, the BBC’s Controller of Entertainment, Katie Taylor, said, “We welcome Karen to our Strictly family.

“We’re thrilled to have such a fresh and talented professional join us and I can’t wait to see what she will bring to the ballroom this autumn.”