Rachel Riley, the beloved TV presenter and mathematician, recently shared a deeply personal story about how her experience on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 led her to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In a candid interview with The i Paper in 2025, Rachel reflected on the stress of being part of the show, revealing how the pressure from the competition affected her mental health.
The Strictly Experience: Stress and PTSD
Rachel Riley, 40, competed on Strictly alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev in 2013. The pair, who later went on to marry in 2019, were eliminated in the fifth week of the competition. Despite their early exit, their connection on and off the dance floor blossomed into a lasting relationship. However, the experience left Rachel with more than just memories of glitter and sequins.
Rachel admitted that the stress of participating in Strictly caused her to develop PTSD. She explained, “The stress of going on Strictly Come Dancing gave me PTSD.” This revelation was part of a larger conversation about how she struggled with perfectionism, which was exacerbated by the pressure of performing live on national television.
To cope with the mental strain, Rachel turned to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). “CBT has helped me focus on resilience rather than the stress of a situation,” she said. Through therapy, she learned to manage her tendency to focus on perfectionism. “I didn’t realise I was a perfectionist,” Rachel confessed. “A psychologist taught me that although I thought everything had to be perfect, it actually doesn’t.”
Through this process, Rachel was able to shift her mindset. Instead of obsessing over the things that went wrong, she learned to celebrate her achievements, even if they weren’t perfect. This newfound resilience has helped her handle challenges in both her personal and professional life.
Dealing with a Secret Health Battle
In addition to the mental strain from her Strictly experience, Rachel also opened up about a secret health battle she had been fighting for a decade. In a 2023 interview with the Daily Mail, Rachel revealed that she had been dealing with health issues that affected her well-being for ten years, and that this struggle led to significant changes in her lifestyle.
Rachel described how she had been experiencing persistent health issues for years, which led her and Pasha to adopt a vegan diet in 2018. She explained, “We went vegan for loads of reasons, but I was ill with food, so I cut eggs and dairy and started eating in vegan restaurants.”
She added that this dietary change drastically improved her health. “I didn’t realise how bad I was feeling until I wasn’t feeling bad,” she admitted. The switch to a plant-based diet helped her feel better almost overnight, and it was a turning point for her health.
Despite her struggles, Rachel revealed that her doctors were unhelpful during her attempts to get a diagnosis. “My doctors were useless,” she said, acknowledging that it wasn’t until she made significant changes to her diet that she began to feel better.
Life After Health Struggles: Finding Balance
Rachel’s decision to embrace a vegan lifestyle was not just about food—it was about taking control of her health and well-being. She and Pasha, who has always been supportive, made the change together, and it has helped her feel healthier and more energetic. The shift has also had a positive impact on her mental health, as she has learned to prioritize her wellness and happiness.
Since adopting a vegan diet, Rachel has also become a mother, with the couple welcoming their child. During her pregnancy, she took food supplements to support her health, but overall, her dietary changes played a crucial role in her improvement.
Rachel’s health battle, which she had kept private for years, is now part of her broader journey toward self-care and well-being. By sharing her experience with the public, Rachel has encouraged others to consider how small changes to their lifestyle—whether through diet, therapy, or other methods—can have a profound effect on their health.
Support from Pasha and the Future Ahead
Through it all, Pasha Kovalev has been Rachel’s rock. Their love story began on Strictly Come Dancing, and they have continued to support each other in every aspect of their lives. In addition to their wedding in 2019, Rachel and Pasha’s journey together has included navigating the challenges of health and mental well-being.
The couple is now looking forward to the future, with their growing family and continued professional successes. Rachel has maintained a positive outlook, focusing on the resilience she’s developed through therapy and lifestyle changes. She has also been candid about her struggles, sharing her journey with fans in the hope that it will help others who may be facing similar battles.
Rachel Riley’s Journey of Healing and Growth
Rachel Riley’s experience on Strictly Come Dancing may have led to unexpected challenges, but she has turned those challenges into an opportunity for growth. By sharing her story, she has inspired others to recognize the importance of mental health, self-care, and finding balance in their lives. With the support of her husband, Pasha, and her dedication to improving her health, Rachel is finally in a place where she can celebrate life and embrace the future with confidence.
As she continues to share her journey with the public, Rachel has become a powerful advocate for both mental and physical well-being. She proves that even after the most difficult moments, there is always room for healing and growth.
