In an emotional, gut-wrenching admission, former Strictly Come Dancing pro Pasha Kovalev has opened up like never before about his relationship with wife Rachel Riley, revealing how the BBC show not only changed his career—but also stole his heart.
It was 2013 when Pasha first met the Countdown beauty, Rachel, on Strictly. Little did he know that this fateful encounter would eventually lead to a love story that would melt hearts all over the UK. But while their romance blossomed, it wasn’t without pain, sacrifice, and heartache.
From the moment Pasha set foot on Strictly in 2011, he was swept into a whirlwind of glitter, fame, and dance. But what most people don’t know is that every season, as he left the show behind, he also left pieces of his heart with each partner—until he met Rachel. And that’s where the real heartbreak began.
In an exclusive interview with Heat Magazine, Pasha confessed that walking away from the show in 2018, after finishing as a runner-up with Ashley Roberts, wasn’t as simple as just saying goodbye. “It was time to move on,” he said, but the emotional toll of leaving Strictly was real. “Part of your heart stays with that person… then the next year, you have to find more energy, more love to give to the next one.”
The Strain of Leaving His Heart Behind
Can you imagine giving your heart away year after year, only to have to pick up the broken pieces and try again? That was Pasha’s reality. Every season, he felt his heart “torn into pieces” as he said goodbye to each partner. “My heart was torn into pieces and given away to random people,” he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion.
But in a twist that could only be described as destiny, Pasha met Rachel. And after years of giving his love away to others, he knew what he had to do. “So, I had to make one of them my wife,” Pasha revealed with a bittersweet chuckle. “Rachel said it was part of her Strictly contract,” he added, highlighting the deep connection they shared.
The couple tied the knot in 2019, and their love story continues to flourish. With two beautiful daughters—Maven and Noa—the pair have created a family that radiates love, laughter, and warmth.
‘She’s My Soulmate’ – Pasha’s Ultimate Love Story
Despite the glamor and fame that Strictly afforded him, Pasha insists that nothing compares to the joy he feels with Rachel. “She’s definitely my soulmate,” Pasha said, his voice filled with tenderness. In a world where reality TV relationships often seem fleeting, their bond stands as a testament to true love.
As Pasha revealed his deepest feelings for Rachel, she too opened up about their life together. In a candid interview, Rachel confirmed that their family is now complete, telling Women’s Magazine, “No, I think we’re done” when asked about having more children. But that doesn’t mean their daughters aren’t following in their dad’s footsteps.
The Next Generation of Dancers
Though their family plans are settled, their two daughters are already dancing up a storm. Maven, the eldest, is gearing up for her first ballet exam, while Noa is preparing for her first performance. As Rachel fondly shared, “They love it, and they always get Pasha to throw them around the kitchen.” Talk about a dance family!
This deeply emotional confession from Pasha about his relationship with Rachel is more than just a love story; it’s a reflection of how life—like dance—can take unexpected turns. It’s about finding your soulmate in the most unexpected of places and knowing, with every beat of your heart, that you are where you’re meant to be.
In a world of fleeting romances, Pasha and Rachel’s love is the kind of story we all need to believe in: one that’s built on trust, sacrifice, and an unbreakable bond.
Could this be the most heartfelt confession to come out of Strictly yet? You decide. But one thing’s for sure—this love story is far from ordinary. And it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
