Strictly curse? No, it was a blessing to meet my Rachel
Sunday Express|July 14, 2024
BALLROOM dancer Pasha Kovalev feels he has benefited from a Strictly blessing rather than its famed curse.
Julia Kuttner
Strictly curse? No, it was a blessing to meet my Rachel

The BBC contest is known for causing the breakdown of relationships for both its celebrities and professionals.

But Pasha met his wife, Countdown co-host Rachel Riley, on the show and after more than a decade together says they are happy and still very much in love.

The Russian pro, 44, was paired with Rachel, 38, on Strictly in 2013, losing a dance-off in week six to eventual series winner Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec.

At the time, Rachel was married to Jamie Gilbert, who she had met while studying maths at Oxford University.

This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.

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This story is from the July 14, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.

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