BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Hauer breaks silence after Paul Merson performance

Karen Hauer has spoken out following her first performance on Strictly Come Dancing with Paul Merson. The professional dancer didn't hide the fact she had a challenge on her hands with their song choice for week one of the BBC dance competition.

Following the pre-recorded launch show last weekend, the competition officially kicked off on Saturday night (September 21) as the celebrities and their professional dance partners performed together for the first time.

When it was former footballer Paul's turn to take to the floor alongside Karen, viewers watched as they performed an American smooth to none other than Vindaloo by Fat Les.

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The performance was dubbed “special” and “different” by the Strictly judges - Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke - before they received a total score of 17 which left them joint second from the bottom of the leaderboard.

But during and after their first live performance, viewers were flocking to social media to slam the choice of song for Paul and Karen's first performance of the series.

Karen, however, has now shared a message with fans as she praised Paul for his efforts and reaffirmed the fact that she is happy to have the football pundit as her celebrity dance partner this year.

Sharing pictures of the pair in action as well as a snap of them after the show with Karen's rugby star boyfriend Simon Davidson and Paul's wife Kate Merson, Karen wrote: "Not only was last night fun but this guy is the real deal!

"Focused, hard-working and committed…..whilst at the same time bringing a sense of humour and enjoyment to the whole process. I couldn’t be happier to have Merse as my partner. See you all next Saturday @paulmerseofficial @bbcstrictly."

Karen's Strictly co-star and dance partner Gorka Marquez was quick to respond, writing in the comments section: "Was awesome chamita." Fellow Strictly pro Lauren Oakley also commented: "I think I’m a bit obsessed," before fans of the show waded in to show their support.

@chlruss83 said: "Karen I can see so much potential in Paul - more than I imagined and he's already better than some others on the show!" @nyealison wrote: "Well done to you and Paul and Karen your choreography was perfect. I was smiling constantly and could tell you were both having fun. Love you, keep shining my favourite pro

@caitlincox224 posted: "Well done. You did a good job on the choreography. Loved the dance." @dazxoxo shared: "You did amazing job with him. You did what you could with that awful song Roll on next Saturday for a better song hopefully." @ghostwarrior105 added: "Thought you guys did an amazing job with a tricky theme and dance combination. Brilliant work!"