Strictly Come Dancing - Karen Hardy

8 October 2007 - Current reigning champion of Strictly Come Dancing, Karen is one of the most highly regarded women in dancing today.

Before her retirement from the competitive world of dance in March 1999, Karen's successful partnership with Bryan Watson saw them as undefeated United Kingdom, International, British National, World Masters, Open Italian, Yankie Classic, London Open and Osaka World Trophy Champions of Latin American dance.

From the off, the couples will face the judges and the public vote. In week one a male will go, in week two a female will go and in the third week the lowest scoring pair starts leaving the competition.

As in previous series all the proceeds from viewer voting will go towards BBC Children in Need, which has now raised a staggering £4.7million over the four series.

Those who can't wait for the Saturday night show can get their daily fix on BBC Two when Claudia Winkleman returns with Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two, bringing you exclusive interviews, backstage gossip and footage from the training sessions.

Karen Hardy (celebrity partner is Brian Capron)