Hanna Haarala

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Hanna Haarala, who was born in Finland, is a professional Latin American dancer. Haarala already had a successful career in ice skating, and eventually had to make the choice between them both. She did not forsee this future, however, and thought she would never choose dancing over skating. She has represented Finland with her former partner Mikko Kaasalainen at the European and World Games, but they decided to end their time together three years later.

Her current partner is Andrew Cuerden, however, their relationship is purely professional as she has a boyfriend named Joe. Cuerden was looking for a partner and so called Haarala out for a try-out, flying to Finland to see her. Two trials later, they formed a partnership after just one session with each other.

She competed in series 3 of the BBC's successful Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, reaching seventh place with actor Will Thorp. She was very determined to win, though, and Thorp had all the potential. She did not return to Strictly Come Dancing after her time with Thorp.