Rachel Riley, the popular Countdown presenter, has been a mainstay in British television for years. Her witty banter, quick math skills, and charm have made her a beloved figure among fans. However, behind her professional accomplishments is her personal life, especially her relationship with husband Pasha Kovalev. The couple’s story began on the iconic ballroom floor of Strictly Come Dancing and has since blossomed into a partnership full of shared experiences, two young daughters, and a deep bond. Let’s take a closer look at Rachel Riley’s husband, Pasha Kovalev, and their family life.
Pasha Kovalev: The Man Behind the Dance
Pasha Kovalev is no stranger to the spotlight. Born in Russia, Pasha began his dancing career at a young age, honing his skills in various forms of Latin and ballroom dancing. Before joining Strictly Come Dancing, Pasha had already made a name for himself on the international dance circuit. His precise footwork, passion for dance, and undeniable chemistry with his partners made him a favorite among viewers.
Pasha first appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2011 and quickly gained popularity. His charming demeanor and smooth moves caught the eye of many, including the show’s fans and celebrity partners. Over the years, Pasha partnered with a number of stars, including The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge, actress Kimberley Walsh, and presenter Rachel Riley.
It was Rachel, however, who would go on to become not only his professional partner but also his life partner. Their connection on the dance floor grew into a deep and lasting relationship, culminating in marriage in 2017.
The Beginning of Rachel and Pasha’s Relationship
Rachel and Pasha’s paths first crossed in 2013 when they were paired up on Strictly Come Dancing. The two quickly formed a close bond as they spent countless hours rehearsing and perfecting their routines. Their chemistry on the dance floor was undeniable, with Pasha’s experience and Rachel’s dedication making them a strong team.
However, it wasn’t until the following year, after the show had wrapped up, that their romance began. What started as a professional connection blossomed into something more personal. Both had been through their own separate relationships prior to this, but their time together on Strictly sparked a deeper affection. In 2014, they began dating, and by 2017, they had tied the knot in a private ceremony in Las Vegas.
While many celebrities’ relationships can often feel staged or manufactured, Rachel and Pasha’s bond has always seemed genuine and heartfelt. Their love story, rooted in shared passions and mutual respect, resonates with fans who admire the couple’s down-to-earth nature.
Life After Marriage: Family and Parenthood
The couple’s life post-marriage has been anything but slow. In 2016, they welcomed their first daughter, Maven. Pasha and Rachel have been open about the joys and challenges of parenthood, often sharing glimpses of their family life on social media. Their second daughter, Noa, was born in 2019, completing their family of four.
Raising two young children while juggling demanding careers has presented its challenges. As Rachel frequently travels between London and Manchester for her role on Countdown, and Pasha often works late-night shows or is on tour, the couple has learned to balance their family life. In a candid interview, Rachel spoke about the challenge of maintaining a routine, especially as the children grow older and their interests change. She acknowledged the ongoing adjustment of balancing their professional and personal lives, saying, “It’s always changing because you get into one routine, and then the kids get bigger and they do different activities.”
Despite the hectic schedules, Rachel and Pasha have found ways to prioritize family moments. They’ve shared that they enjoy spending time together in the kitchen, dancing casually as a family. This down-to-earth, easy-going approach to parenting helps them maintain a close-knit family unit despite the pressures of their public lives.
Keeping the Dance Alive
Though life with two young children and busy careers doesn’t leave much time for the dance floor, Rachel and Pasha have managed to keep dancing a part of their lives. It’s not the same as their Strictly days, but they still find moments to dance together. Rachel recently joked about their dancing now happening “around the kitchen,” with their two daughters watching and occasionally offering their own critiques.
Pasha, who was known for his expertise in ballroom and Latin dance, explained in interviews that while he misses dancing with Rachel more regularly, he and his wife have found other ways to stay active. One of those ways is by playing squash, which the couple has incorporated into their weekly routine. “We try to do it every week, at least once a week,” Pasha shared. It’s not only a great way to stay active but also a fun way to bond.
This simple yet effective approach to maintaining their relationship reflects how Rachel and Pasha prioritize each other despite the busy schedules they face. As parents, they strive to make sure their time together remains meaningful, whether it’s through dancing, sports, or simple everyday moments.
Parenting Together: A Shared Vision
When it comes to their daughters, Rachel and Pasha share a united approach to parenting. Their children, Maven and Noa, have already shown an interest in their parents’ worlds. Maven, for example, loves math, which Rachel has encouraged, and Noa is curious about dance, especially seeing her dad perform live on stage. Rachel has always emphasized the importance of supporting her children’s interests, whatever they may be, even if they don’t follow in her or Pasha’s footsteps.
Rachel has often expressed that she and Pasha have no set expectations for what their children will pursue in the future. “You don’t know though what they’re going to do when they get bigger, but you just want to encourage them and, you know, support them with whatever they decide they like.” It’s clear that, for Rachel and Pasha, the goal is to provide a supportive environment where their children can thrive in whatever they choose to do.
A Relationship Built on Respect and Shared Interests
What stands out most about Rachel and Pasha’s relationship is the genuine respect they have for one another. Pasha’s insight into their domestic life, as shared in interviews, often highlights the mutual admiration they share. Despite the pressures of their careers and the challenges of parenting, their bond has remained strong. Whether it’s through their shared love of dancing, their commitment to staying active, or their deep dedication to their children, Rachel and Pasha’s relationship continues to evolve, but the foundation remains the same: respect, love, and support for one another.
In recent years, Pasha has opened up about the importance of balancing fitness and family time. In an interview, he shared that he doesn’t work out as frequently as he used to due to family commitments but tries to stay active by engaging with his children. He noted that when he works out at home, his kids often jump on him, making it more of a family activity than a solo fitness routine.
This playful approach to fitness and family life sums up the way Rachel and Pasha navigate their relationship: they make it work by finding balance in the little moments. While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection, Rachel and Pasha seem content with enjoying the journey together, even if that means dancing around the kitchen or squeezing in a game of squash between busy schedules.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pasha and Rachel?
Looking ahead, it’s clear that Pasha and Rachel will continue to navigate the highs and lows of both their personal and professional lives. While their relationship started as a professional partnership on Strictly Come Dancing, it has since blossomed into a deep, loving family dynamic. Their journey together has been one of growth, change, and mutual respect, and it’s likely that we’ll continue to see them supporting each other as they face new challenges.
Whether it’s through their shared love of dancing, their parenting journey, or simply finding moments to laugh together, Rachel and Pasha’s partnership exemplifies how two people can create a successful, fulfilling life by supporting each other’s passions, careers, and dreams.
In the world of entertainment, it’s easy to get lost in the glamour and the drama, but Rachel and Pasha remind us that at the heart of every successful partnership is a deep respect for one another and a commitment to finding joy in the everyday moments. Their story, built on love, shared experiences, and mutual support, is a testament to the power of connection, both on and off the dance floor.
Conclusion
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev’s journey together is a testament to love, mutual respect, and adaptability. From their early days on Strictly Come Dancing to balancing their personal and professional lives, they’ve proven that family, support, and shared interests create a strong foundation. As parents of two young daughters, Maven and Noa, they continue to navigate the challenges of parenthood while maintaining their individual passions, all while keeping their connection with each other alive.
Their relationship stands as an example of how a couple can grow together, finding joy in both the big and small moments. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, supporting each other’s careers, or simply enjoying family time, Rachel and Pasha have created a partnership that is both inspiring and grounded in love and respect.
FAQs
- How did Rachel Riley meet Pasha Kovalev?
Rachel and Pasha met while competing together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013 and began dating in 2014. - When did Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev get married?
They married in a private ceremony in Las Vegas in 2017. - How many children do Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev have?
The couple has two daughters: Maven, who is five, and Noa, who turns four in November. - Do Rachel and Pasha still dance together?
Though they no longer dance professionally together, they enjoy casual dancing at home with their daughters. - What do Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev do to stay active?
They enjoy playing squash together, which has become a weekly activity to stay fit and bond.
