Countdown’s Rachel Riley met husband Pasha Kovalev when they starred together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, announcing their romance shortly after the show finished
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Pasha Kovalev says his “heart was torn into pieces” as he made a huge career move. The Russian dancer joined the popular BBC show in 2011 before spending eight series on the show.
It was on the show that Pasha first crossed paths with wife Rachel Riley when they were paired together in 2013. The couple announced their relationship shortly after the series finished, tying the knot in 2019.
They are now proud parents to daughters Maven and Noa. Pasha last competed in Strictly in 2018, finishing runner-up with former Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts.
Speaking to Heat magazine, Pasha says it was the “right moment” to call time on his Strictly career. “It was time to move on and I don’t regret it,” the 45-year-old explained.
Pasha says the “hardest thing” about being a professional dancer on the show is “saying goodbye” to each celebrity partner. He added: “Part of your heart stays with that person, then the next year you have to find energy and more love to give to the next person.
“My heart was torn into pieces and given away to random people, so I had to make one of them my wife. Rachel said it was part of her Strictly contract.”
Pasha went on to describe Countdown star Rachel as his soulmate admitting he is “really happy” with their life together. Rachel recently admitted she believes the couple are “done” having children.
It came as the 39-year-old admitted both Noa and Maven have already started dance lessons. Speaking to Woman magazine, she said: “They’re both dancing. Maven, the eldest, has got her first ballet exam coming up, and the little one, Noa, has got her first show soon.
“They are just doing ballet, so it’s nothing serious. They love it and they always get Pasha to throw them around the kitchen.”
Mathematician Rachel has previously described Pasha as her “sanctuary”. She opened up about her relationship with her husband after witnessing a friend’s distressing experience with domestic violence.
Speaking to The I newspaper, Rachel said: “Watching a friend experience domestic violence made me realise how lucky I am. It made me appreciate that my home – and Pasha – is my sanctuary. My friend has managed to change her situation, but the process has been horrific and it’s opened my eyes.
“I am so lucky to have a lovely home and to be able to set a good example for our kids of what a nice relationship is. We have a partnership and security and that’s my thing.”
Rachel went on to explain that their compatibility stems from their differences. She added: “Pasha is really solid. I’m so lucky. We respect each other. We find each other interesting. We make each other laugh and we talk about all sorts of different things.”
Rachel says the pair come from “completely different backgrounds” and have a “different outlook” but “bounce off each other”. She says that while they may discuss things they might not understand, it is important to talk.
Rachel will be returning to screens with 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown from 9pm tonight (December 24) on Channel 4. Jon Richardson and Daisy May Cooper will be taking on Judi Love and Rob Beckett during a festive edition of the show.
Pasha meanwhile now stars in Legends of the Dancefloor, a stage show with his fellow former Strictly colleagues Ian Waite, Vincent Simone, James Jordan, and Brendan Cole. They will be launching their new show Vegas: After Hours in theatres next year.
