Karen Hauer's future beyond Strictly looks promising, as her first role since departing the beloved dance competition has been revealed. The Venezuelan-American dancer is set to star in the revival of the comedy theatre production Stepping Out. Stepping Out is a comedy penned by Richard Harris, and its revival will embark on a UK tour this summer. The production will kick off in Eastbourne before heading to Southend, Bromley and Fareham. Karen will take on the role of Mavis, a dance teacher overseeing a group of enthusiastic yet decidedly average amateur tap dancers.

Commenting on her involvement, Karen said: "I'm so pleased to be performing in this brand-new production of Stepping Out. It's a play about ordinary people achieving extraordinary things through dance, and in the role of their teacher and mentor, it certainly resonates with me! I'm looking forward to dusting off my tap shoes and working with a great company of actors and dancers to bring this heart-warming, feel-good comedy to the stage."

The production's director, Chris Jordan, added: "I am absolutely delighted to have Karen joining us for Stepping Out this summer. We're going to have so much fun, as are our audiences. Karen is such a well-loved dancer from her years working on Strictly as teacher and mentor to so many different partners and that is why this role, in this play, is such a great fit for her."

The role arrives just weeks after Karen's departure from Strictly Come Dancing was confirmed. The dancer first joined Strictly in 2012 and is the longest-serving female professional dancer, but in March, she revealed she was stepping away from the programme.

In a video, she said: "Hey everyone, I've got something to tell you. It's a tough one but here we go. After 14 years on Strictly Come Dancing, I've decided this is the right time for me to close this chapter and take on new projects in other areas that I'm passionate about.

"Strictly completely changed my life, not only as a performer and a teacher, but as a human being. I've had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people and brilliant celebrity partners. Who have become close friends and people I admire so much."

She added: "None of this would have been possible without the amazing fans. You've been there since day one when I just moved to the UK and had no idea what I was getting myself into.

"I'm so grateful you watched me grow over the years and witnessed all of my different hairstyles. I'm gonna miss everyone who makes the show possible. From hair, makeup, wardrobe, the crew behind the cameras, lighting, production, and staging, the runners, Dave Arch, and the band, the singers, and the producers and welfare team who take such good care of us."

The professional dancer, who was a firm favourite with viewers on the BBC's beloved Saturday night institution, continued: "It's an incredible machine powered by brilliant people. To my fellow professional dancers who I adore, I will always be cheering you on. You truly are the best in the business."