Category: Pasha Kovalev

Rachel Riley rocks a colourful knit cardigan and distressed jeans as she steps out in the Manchester sunshine

Rachel Riley’s colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon.

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over.

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers.

The TV personality styled her blonde locks in soft waves and opted for a glamorous coat of make-up with a red lip.

Rachel accessorised the look with a metallic silver bag and carried her phone in her hand as she walked along in the afternoon sun.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev.

Rachel Riley’s colourful dressing matched the spring sunshine as she stepped out in Manchester at Media City on Tuesday afternoon

The Countdown star, 39, looked lovely in a chunky patchwork-style knit cardigan, which boasted floral applique all over

Rachel wore the statement piece over a pink vest, which was styled with a pair of distressed ripped jeans and trainers

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands.

Rachel wrote: ‘It’s World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!

‘You’re supposed to tell wildlife conservation success stories today, so it made me think of our first nature trip together, which sparked a whole load of others and is pretty much our favourite way to spend our time.

‘Back in 2016 we went to Brazil, and one of the highlights was visiting the Onçafari jaguar conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands – The Pantanal.’

Rachel continued: ‘It was in its infancy then, conservationists had visited Africa, and brought techniques back like staking (already killed in nature) prey out in open spaces vs dense forest.

‘So, tourists have more chance of spotting cats returning to the carcass to eat at nightfall, in order to boost eco tourism, collecting data showing jags weren’t the culprits eating cattle, and generally that jaguars are more valuable alive than dead.

‘As is so much in life, the financial arguments often have more sway than anything else.

The outing comes after she shared a series of bikini-clad snaps as she shared an insight into a past trip with husband Pasha Kovalev

In celebration of World Wildlife Day in March, Rachel uploaded some photos from Brazil in 2016, with the Strictly Come Dancing star, 45

‘Since then we’ve been to The Galapagos, Napo Valley in the Amazon Basin, Sri Lanka, India, The Maldives and can honestly say wildlife trips are where our happiest memories are.

‘Hopefully more trips to follow when the kids are a bit bigger! (Any suggestions on where and when with them for future are much appreciated!)

‘PS sorry for the terrible home videos at the end (Pantanal capybaras, jaguar, giant anteater), I’ve definitely not missed my calling as a wildlife camerawoman but happy memories nonetheless!’

Rachel and Pasha met when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

The couple could be seen enjoying a bike ride, hiking, scuba diving and kayaking after visiting a conservation project in the world’s largest wetlands

Rachel wrote: ‘It’s World Wildlife Day today, which gives me a good excuse to post this pic taken just as Pash was getting bitten by ants when we were in India a few years back!’

The presenter continued: ‘You’re supposed to tell wildlife conservation success stories today, so it made me think of our first nature trip together, which sparked a whole load of others’

April 30, 2025
Rachel Riley and husband Pasha Kovalev enjoy family day out with daughters Noa and Maven as they lead stars at the Sylvanian Families: The Movie screening

Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev enjoyed a day out with thier daughters Noa and Maven as they led stars at the Sylvanian Families: The Movie screening.

The Countdown icon, 39, looked stunning in a chic black floral dress with a thigh-high split, completing the look with white ballerinas.

Meanwhile the Strictly pro, 45, opted for a smart black suit co-ord as he beamed from ear to ear while posing with little Noa, five, and Maven, four.

The family looked in jovial spirits as they cradled their tots next to a bunny mascot at the gala night at Vue Leicester Square.

Also in attendance was British gymnast Byrony Page, who caught the eye in a classy fitting green dress.

Elsewhere Sky News presenter Sarah Jane-Mee kept it casual but chic in a mint green cardigan and animal print trousers.

Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev enjoyed a day out with thier daughters Noa and Maven as they led stars at the Sylvanian Families: The Movie screening

The Countdown icon, 39, looked stunning in a chic black floral dress with a thigh-high split

Neil Jones and his fiancé Chyna Mills joined the family event with daughter Havana, whom they welcomed in 2023.

The Strictly alum, 42, looked stylish in a beige trench coat while the Love Island beauty, 26, rocked a grey blazer.

Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willet looked pretty in pink as she rocked a glam fuchsia knit cardigan and checked trousers for the occasion.

Leanne Quigley – who won The Traitors earlier this year – was joined by her fiancée Sophie Jones and their twin sons Harley and Hudson.

The reality star cut a stylish figure in a maroon leather coat teamed with matching trainers and grey denim.

Meanwhile her partner kept it cosy in a cream jacket and brown trousers, while both sweetly holding one twin each.

Laura Tobin, ITV’s favourite meterologist, opted for a multicoloured dress as she smiled cheerfully for the lense.

Meanwhile Kelli Simpkins also looked elegant in a smart brown blazer and navy shirt underneath, joining the star-studded event with son Nico and daugher CeCee.

Meanwhile the Strictly pro, 45, opted for a smart black suit co-ord as he beamed from ear to ear while posing with little Noa, five, and Maven, four

The family looked in jovial spirits as they cradled their tots next to a bunny mascot at the photocall ahead of the gala night, held at the Vue Leicester Square

Neil Jones and his fiancé Chyna Mills joined the family event with daughter Havana, whom they welcomed in 2023

Also in attendance was British gymnast Byrony Page, who caught the eye in a classy fitting green dress

Elsewhere Sky News presenter Sarah Jane-Mee kept it casual but chic in a mint green cardigan and animal print trousers

Former Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willet looked pretty in pink as she rocked a glam fuchsia knit cardigan and checked trousers for the occasion

Leanne Quigley – who won The Traitors earlier this year – was joined by her fiancée Sophie Jones and their twin sons Harley and Hudson

The reality star cut a stylish figure in a maroon leather coat teamed with matching trainers and grey denim

Laura Tobin, ITV’s favourite meterologist, opted for a multicoloured dress as she smiled cheerfully for the lense

Meanwhile Kelli Simpkins also looked elegant in a smart brown blazer and navy shirt underneath, joining the star-studded event with son Nico and daugher CeCee

Also in attendance of the event were the likes of Imogen Horton, Christina Warren, Louise Pentland and more. ⁠

The animated movie, out in theatres from the 4th April, follows Freya, a sweet Chocolate Rabbit girl, tackles two fun tasks for the Star Festival: picking the “Tree of the Year” and finding a birthday gift for her mother.

With her adorable animal friends, she goes on a joyful adventure, learning about friendship and giving.⁠

March 29, 2025
Rachel Riley proves she can do it all as she hilariously juggles Christmas shopping while daughter Noa, 3, sleeps in a supermarket trolley

Rachel Riley proved the last-minute Christmas shopping can be a struggle especially with children as she shared a hilarious new video to Instagram on Sunday.

The Countdown star, 38, shares two daughters Maven, five, and Noa, three, with Strictly star husband Pasha Kovalev, 44.

And Rachel showed she can do it all as her youngest daughter Noa peacefully slept in a shopping trolley as she stocked it with festive food in Marks & Spencer.

The TV star was seen dashing around the supermarket picking up 65p brussel sprouts and bottles of wine fitting them in the trolley around her little girl.

Rachel laughed as she piled the items onto the checkout while Noa continued to sleep in the trolley.

The mathematician wore a colourful pink striped jumper with a pair of skinny jeans and boots and rocked a number of blue star stickers on her forehead.

Rachel Riley proved the last-minute Christmas shopping can be a struggle especially with children as she shared a hilarious new video to Instagram on Sunday

The Countdown star, 38, proved she can do it all as her youngest daughter Noa peacefully slept in a shopping trolley as she stocked it with festive food in Marks & Spencer

She wrote: ‘4 more sleeps until it’s Christmas. Our mistake was not specifying where and when’, as Leona Lewis’ Christmas hit One More Sleep played over the top.

Rachel added: ‘If only we could do this as adults…’

Rachel first met Pasha when they were partnered on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, going official with their romance the following year.

She ended her 16-month marriage to ex-husband James Gilbert weeks after she was eliminated from series, with the split cited as another example of the ‘Strictly curse’.

The former couple had been together since they met when they were both studying at the University of Oxford.

Rachel and Pacha tied the knot in secret in Las Vegas in 2019 they went on to welcome Maven in December 2019 and their second daughter Noa in November 2021.

Rachel has recently detailed how difficult it can be to spend quality time with her husband due to their busy schedules.

Speaking to The Sun, she revealed it can be challenging for the couple to find alone time as they both juggle work and parenthood.

The TV star was seen dashing around the supermarket picking up 65p brussel sprouts and bottles of wine fitting them in the trolley around her little girl

Rachel was seen laughing as she piled the items onto the checkout while Noa continued to sleep in the trolley

She wrote: ‘4 more sleeps until it’s Christmas. Our mistake was not specifying where and when’, as Leona Lewis’ Christmas hit One More Sleep played over the top

Rachel shares two daughters Maven, five, and Noa, three, with Strictly star husband Pasha Kovalev, 44

Rachel said date nights can be rare for the couple but the TV personality also admitted she wouldn’t change a thing, and she enjoys in fact this phase of parenthood.

‘When you first get together, if they’re away for three months and you’ve only been together a month, it’s a big deal,’ she explained.

‘But when you’ve been together the best part of a decade and you can see a future of how ever many more decades that you get together, it kind of changes your perspective.

‘It’s nice to have date nights especially as we can be ships that pass in the night, especially when you have kids as well.’

Speaking to HELLO earlier this year, the star revealed the couple don’t plan on having anymore children and are happy with their two girls.

She explained: ‘We’re just starting to get out of the woods and they can play together now.

‘They can be left together for a little bit, it’s starting to get a little bit easier. So I think we’re on that note.’

Rachel also revealed that Maven is already following in her mum’s mathematical footsteps as she is already asking to watch maths videos for kids on YouTube.

December 23, 2024
Pasha Kovalev Calls for BBC to Save Strictly with New Rules

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Pasha Kovalev has said bosses need to ‘re-establish rules’ in order to save the series amid it’s ongoing misconduct scandal.

The beloved BBC series is currently embroiled in controversy over how the professional dancers teach the celebs, with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour.

It comes after Pasha’s now wife Rachel Riley, 38, who he was paired with on the show in 2013, claimed her experience left her with PTSD and likened it to a ‘hostage situation’.

Pasha, 44, who left Strictly in 2018 after eight years, said he’d never witnessed any inappropriate during his stint, but The Mirror: I guess in every office in the country you’d have one or two bad apples, and when it comes to it, it needs to be dealt with’.

He continued: ‘The rules need to be regulated, or revisited, and the atmosphere should be re-established where people are trusting one another, people are positive and working together to create a better show – delivering a better product, and entertaining people. It’s entertainment for Christ’s sake – it’s supposed to be fun.’

Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Pasha Kovalev has said bosses need to ‘re-establish rules’ in order to save the series amid it’s ongoing misconduct scandal.

It comes after Pasha’s now wife Rachel Riley who he was paired with on the show in 2013 (pictured) claimed her experience left her with PTSD and likened it to a ‘hostage situation’.

The beloved BBC series is currently embroiled in controversy with multiple accusations emerging of bullying and abusive behaviour towards celebs (Amanda Abbington pictured)

‘There is no reason to have a break, in spite of all this controversy and discussions lately. It needs to be addressed, to be fixed, people need to be listened to for a proper creative, celebratory atmosphere.’

Rachel, with whom Pasha shares two daughters, said of her PTSD in April: ‘I got PTSD following Strictly. A lot of people who have done it can relate. It’s like a trauma bonding, hostage situation, not with your partner but with the show.

‘You love doing it and it’s so much fun, you get all of the endorphins from the training and achieving something just being in the moment.

‘All you’re supposed to be doing is learning this dance, that’s all you’re doing, you haven’t got any distractions, you haven’t got to do the washing, check your phone, you haven’t got to do anything else.

‘By the end of the week, you’ve achieved it and done it and you’ve got that gratification.

‘The dancing thing was quite scary and it brings up a lot of emotions. Each year Pasha would do it, I would remember what happened my week and all of the emotions and that and then the next person, I would be over empathizing and each year was layers of memories and I didn’t enjoy it.’

‘I know from my time on it, 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people, it can do something to you,’ she added as she spoke at the Inspiration Awards For Women at The Landmark Hotel in London.

‘And there’s so many people that I’ve seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience. I don’t think even production are aware of quite what it does to people.

Pasha, who left Strictly in 2018 after eight years, said he’d never witnessed any inappropriate during his stint but ‘you have one or two bad apples’ (pictured with Rachel on the show)

He continued: ‘The rules need to be regulated, or revisited, and the atmosphere should be re-established where people are trusting one another’ (pictured winning the show with the late Caroline Flack in 2014)

Rachel said of her PTSD: ‘I got PTSD following Strictly. A lot of people who have done it can relate. It’s like a trauma bonding, hostage situation, not with your partner but with the show’

‘When I was doing it, I was recommended CBT, and I think that’s actually been really great.’

CBT is a talking therapy that can help patients manage problems by altering the way they think about them.

It’s often used to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD and focuses on improving a person’s state of mind.

A course of treatment with an NHS therapist can usually be between six and 20 hour-long sessions.

The Strictly scandal erupted in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show just five weeks in.

Sherlock actress Amanda, 50, a has made a series of accusations about Giovanni’s teaching methods and has described his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’. He strongly denies all of the claims.

In one interview, Amanda compared the dance show to ‘the trenches’ telling Channel 4 News that BBC producers had been left ‘horrified’ by clips that also allegedly exhibited ‘humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature’.

The Strictly scandal erupted in January when actress Amanda Abbington accused her Strictly partner Giovanni Pernice (both pictured) of abuse after she unexpectedly quit the show

Then, in July, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from Strictly for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott

Then, in July, it emerged that Graziano Di Prima had been sacked from Strictly for ‘kicking’ his partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.

A Strictly source said: ‘Graziano’s abuse was ongoing, he kicked and hit her. There were multiple occasions where both physical and verbal attacks were made. It was more physical than verbal but all of it was dreadful.

‘There were occasions where he did some terrible things, it really was awful. What he did makes Giovanni look like a pussy cat.’

Graziano has since claimed he does not know the full particulars of what he is supposed to have done.

August 14, 2024
Viewers of Cooking With the Stars are tuning out after just five minutes of the show’s premiere, criticizing the show as “terrible” and pointing out a “sickening” kitchen blunder.

The ultimate celebrity culinary contest returned to our screens on Tuesday with a brand new star-studded line-up – however ITV viewers were soon left with a sour taste in their mouths.

Cooking With The Stars sees a slew of famous faces paired with professional chefs who will mentor them, in a bid to transform them from amateur to expert in a matter of weeks.

Leading the all-star cast for 2024 are model Abbey Clancy, presenter Carol Vorderman, and comedian Katherine Ryan, with Emma Willis and Tom Allen returning as hosts to preside over the action.

Unfortunately viewers claimed they ‘switched off after five minutes’ when the new season kicked off, blasting the premiere as ‘terrible,’ and pointing out a kitchen blunder that left them ‘feeling sick’.

The first episode saw Carol, Abbey, Pasha Kovalev and Harry Pinero paired up with pro partners and going head to head in the kitchen to attempt to progress to the next round.

The ultimate celebrity culinary contest returned to our screens on Tuesday with a brand new star-studded line-up

Viewers claimed they ‘switched off after five minutes’ when the new season kicked off, blasting it as ‘terrible’ (Abbey Clancy pictured above)

It didn’t take long for ITV viewers to take to X to furiously slam the ‘boring’ fourth series, writing:

‘Never watched this before #CookingWithTheStars. Won’t be watching it again! Who dreams up these beyond boring programs with Z list ‘celebrities’ !! So so bad.’

‘Content creator isn’t a celebrity. #CookingWithTheStars.’

‘5 minutes was enough. It’s terrible #CookingWithTheStars.’

‘Not sure why I’m watching this especially as some of the stars and chefs annoy me #cookingwiththestars.’

‘How the heck did this rubbish manage to get another series?’

‘All the whooping and cheering is getting on my nerves #CookingWithTheStars.’

Meanwhile, others took issue with a specific hygiene factor in the kitchen, pointing out that two of the women kept their hair down while cooking.

Meanwhile, others took issue with a specific hygiene factor in the kitchen, pointing out that Carol (pictured above) and Abbey kept their hair down while cooking

ITV viewers took to X to furiously slam the ‘boring’ fourth series and complain about a specific hygiene issue

Carol, 63, who was paired with Scottish restauranteur Tony Singh, whipped up salmon coulibiac (salmon encased in puff pastry) with a Champagne reduction, with Abbey, 38, cooking a posh steak and chips alongside Michelin star chef Michael Caines.

However, both contestants opted not to tie their hair up as they got busy in the kitchen, causing a slew of complains from fans online:

‘For Pete’s sake, tie your hair back #Cookingwiththestars #TeamPasha.’

‘Does it bother anyone else that the celebs on #Cookingwiththestars don’t their hair back?? I just vision a pan full of stray hair #Cookingwiththestars #itv.’

‘It bothers me! Disgusting.’

‘It definitely bothers me.’

‘Posted similar thing earlier, put me off, all the hair flying around, even the mentor. Was hoping one of the judges would find one in the food.’

Despite the backlash, some fans of the cooking show expressed their excitement at its return, writing:

‘Loved the first #Cookingwiththestars well done @OfficialClancy.’

‘Carol is fabulous as always #CookingWithTheStars.’

‘#CookingWithTheStars I’m hungry watching this. I’m off to M&S tomorrow. Looks lovely.’

‘They get some really good stars on this! #CookingWithTheStars.’

Cooking With The Stars returns for another episode on Tuesday, 8pm, ITV1

July 31, 2024
‘Curse of Strictly Come Dancing Could Be Ended with Chaperone Training’

The famous ‘Strictly curse’ could finally be nearing its end, with sources claiming the trope could cease to exist after a major rule change by bosses.

For years the BBC show has sparked many an off-screen romance between celebrities and their professional partners, with some even leaving their spouses to pursue these relationships.

After Strictly was embroiled in claims of abusive behaviour by professionals during training, bosses announced that they would be introducing chaperones who would be present at all times while couples practice their routines.

Insiders are now claiming that this new rule could have an impact on the quality of performances, as couples will not be able to rehearse for as long.

A source told The Sun: ‘It’s become something of a nightmare.

The ‘Strictly curse’ could finally be nearing its end, with sources claiming the trope could cease to exist after a major rule change by bosses (Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev pictured)

‘Not just because of hiring up to 30 chaperones and two welfare producers, but also the fact it could impact two of the show’s biggest draws – the dancing and the steamy backstage romances.

‘It’s impossible to see how it cannot suck some of the life out of the show.’

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.

Some of the most famous victims of the so-called ‘Strictly curse’ include Rachel Riley, who married her professional partner Pasha Kovalev, after splitting from her then-husband Jamie Gilbert while competing on the show in 2013.

Adam Peaty also split from his partner Eiri Munro after competing on Strictly in 2021.

Seann Walsh also split from his girlfriend Rebecca Humphries after he was pictured kissing his dance partner Katya Jones in 2018. She was married to fellow dancer Neil at the time, and they split the following year.

Stacey Dooley is also dating her dance partner Kevin Clifton, and split from her boyfriend Sam Tucknott weeks after she won Strictly.

Ben Cohen also split from his wife Abby soon after he and his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff competed on the show. The pair are now engaged and share daughter Mila, six.

After Strictly was embroiled in claims of abusive behaviour by professionals, bosses announced that they would be introducing chaperones during training

Seann Walsh also split from his girlfriend Rebecca Humphries after he was pictured kissing his dance partner Katya Jones in 2018

Ben Cohen also split from his wife Abby soon after he and his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff competed on the show

Strictly has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour

Strictly has been engulfed by drama since Giovanni Pernice was suspended after his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington accused him of abusive behaviour, saying he was ‘cruel and mean.’ He denies the claims.

It was followed by Graziano Di Prima’s sacking over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.

Strictly bosses announced plans to introduce chaperones during training, and the appointment of two new welfare producers as they work to address the concerns.

Bosses announced that they would be introducing ‘additional steps to strengthen welfare and support on Strictly Come Dancing.’

A statement from the corporation said: ‘Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that.’

The new measures include a member of the production team being present during training room rehearsals at all times, and increased support for both celebrity contestants and the professional dancers.

A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer will both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew.

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we’re made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act.

‘Concerns that have arisen have been fundamentally related to training and rehearsals. The decisive steps we have taken and are announced today, act to further strengthen the welfare and support in place for everyone involved with this production.’

It is not just male dancers who are now facing allegations of abusive behaviour. A former dancer has claimed that a currently unnamed female Strictly dancer screamed in his face and berated him off-camera.

The Daily Mirror reports that the household name’s allegations do not include physical abuse.

A source said: ‘The man in question felt very much victimised by the behaviour of his Strictly partner.

‘He alleges that on several occasions she flew into a real fury when he couldn’t get the steps right, and on one occasion screamed full in his face. They rowed every single day.’

July 26, 2024
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Share a Steamy Kiss Outside London Palladium After Johannes Radebe’s Show, Showing Passionate Display

Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev packed on PDA as they stepped out of London Palladium on Saturday.

The TV presenter, 38, and the former Strictly pro, 44, couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they stopped to share a very passionate smooch.

The lovebirds had enjoyed a rare evening off parenting duties to support their Strictly pal Johannes Radebe for his House Of Jojo show.

Rachel gently placed her hands on her beloved husband’s face as they shared a steamy kiss.

The pair were smitten with one another as they walked hand in hand out of the theatre before stopping for a kiss.

Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev packed on PDA as they stepped out of London Palladium on Saturday

The two lovebirds couldn’t keep their hands off each other as they packed on the PDA outside the theatre

But before leaving, Rachel seemed unsteady on her feet as she leaned on a wall to swap her glamorous heels for a pair of more comfortable flats.

For the occasion, Pasha opted for a black jacket and matching denim with a simple print T-shirt.

Meanwhile, the Countdown star cut an elegant figure in a red maxi dress with matching heels, finishing off with a white coat and shoulder bag of the same shade.

Rachel recently revealed Strictly Come Dancing left her with PTSD after her appearance on the show in 2013.

The TV personality is now calling for all Strictly contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

‘I know from my time on it, 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people, it can do something to you,’ she said at the Inspiration Awards For Women at The Landmark Hotel in London.

‘And there’s so many people that I’ve seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience. I don’t think even production are aware of quite what it does to people.’

She added: ‘When I was doing it, I was recommended CBT, and I think that’s actually been really great.’

The couple had enjoyed a rare evening off parenting duties to support their Strictly pal Johannes Radebe for his House Of Jojo show

But before leaving, Rachel seemed unsteady on her feet as she leaned on a wall to swap her glamorous heels for a pair of more comfortable flats

Rachel gently placed her hands on her beloved husband’s face as they shared a steamy kiss

Rachel met Pasha during her 2013 stint on Strictly Come Dancing, when they were paired together. They married during a secret Las Vegas ceremony in June 2019.

They walked hand in hand out of the theatre

But before leaving, Rachel seemed wobbly as she leaned on a wall to swap her glamorous heels for a pair of more comfortable flats

For the occasion, Pasha opted for a black jacket and matching denim with a simple print T-shirt

Rachel wowed in a red maxi dress with matching heels, finishing off with a white coat and shoulder bag of the same shade (pictured posing inside the event)

Johannes Radebe poses backstage ahead of his performance

Rachel met Pasha during her 2013 stint on Strictly Come Dancing, when they were paired together. They married during a secret Las Vegas ceremony in June 2019.

The couple exchanged vows in Sin City after keeping the ceremony ‘so secret’ that the majority of their friends and family are said to have been unaware of the nuptials.

Rachel was pregnant with their first child during the couple’s Las Vegas wedding in 2019, welcoming a baby girl named Maven Aria that December.

The couple announced they were expecting their second child with a hilarious Instagram post in April 2021.

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Rachel Riley and her husband Pasha Kovalev put on a VERY passionate display as they share a steamy kiss outside of the London Palladium after Strictly’s Johannes Radebe’s show

May 5, 2024
Rachel Riley calls for all Strictly Come Dancing contestants to receive CBT after revealing her own struggles with PTSD following Amanda Abbington’s departure

Countdown presenter Rachel Riley says Strictly Come Dancing left her with PTSD after her appearance on the show in 2013.

The TV personality is now calling for all Strictly Come Dancing contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

‘I know from my time on it, 11 years ago, even the most sane, solid, grounded people, it can do something to you,’ she said at the Inspiration Awards For Women at The Landmark Hotel in London.

‘And there’s so many people that I’ve seen in subsequent years that have that shared experience. I don’t think even production are aware of quite what it does to people.’

Riley, 38, who is married to ex-Strictly dancer Pasha Kovalev, adds: ‘When I was doing it, I was recommended CBT, and I think that’s actually been really great.’

Riley’s admission comes after Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington’s explosive exit mid series from the BBC show.

Countdown presenter Rachel Riley pictured with her partner Pasha Kovalev on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013. The TV presenter says her time on the show gave her mild PTSD

Riley pictured at the Inspiration Awards For Women 2024. She is now calling for better support and for contestants to receive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Amanda Abbington appeared exhausted and downbeat in rehearsal snaps – she later quit the show in a shock move last year

CBT is a talking therapy that can help patients manage problems by altering the way they think about them.

It’s often used to treat anxiety, depression and PTSD and focuses on improving a person’s state of mind.

A course of treatment with an NHS therapist can usually be between six and 20 hour-long sessions.

Riley is not the first to reveal their time on Strictly was truamatic.

Last year Abington quit the show due to ‘personal reasons’ amid claims of a feud between her and Giovanni Pernice, 33.

She was left so shaken from her experience that she demanded footage of their rehearsals to back up her claim of PTSD.

Abbington, who starred on BBC drama Sherlock, has since dropped her complaint against the BBC and sources at the corporation say the ‘matter is now closed’ and they have ‘moved on’.

The actress was also seeking legal advice over Pernice’s alleged behaviour towards her.

Giovanni Pernice defended his teaching style by describing himself as a perfectionist who wanted to get the best results out of Abbington

Abbington and Pernice dancing on the BBC show – the actress had previously received standing ovations from the judges

It was reported during Strictly that Abbington and Pernice clashed but she dismissed claims of a fallout

It has reportedly taken months for her to recover from her time on the programme and she has apparently needed therapy following the ‘behaviour she was exposed to.’

Speaking about her condition, Abbington told The Sun: ‘I was diagnosed with mild PTSD after Strictly for several reasons and I told a few people about that, in the utmost confidence, among other things that were happening in my life at the time both professionally and personally.’

Abbington was praised by the judges for her performances during her time on the show but it was claimed she was struggling behind the scenes.

Pernice, who is one of Strictly’s most in demand professional dancers because of his ability to get the best out of his celebrity partners, found himself in the headlines following the star’s allegations.

Friends say that he is a ‘perfectionist who always gets results.’

It was reported during Strictly that Abbington and her partner clashed but she dismissed claims of a fallout at the time.

The Sherlock star quickly shot down suggestions and the 52-year-old took to social media to scotch the rumours and called the claims of a fallout ‘bulls***’.

But rumours once again swirled after she released a statement announcing her departure on Instagram where she left out the professional dancer.

An inside source told The Telegraph: ‘It could be that she didn’t know what she let herself in for.

‘He [Pernice] was quite tough and she found that difficult. If she wasn’t very well, that wouldn’t have helped.

‘She was with a partner that had a certain training style that she couldn’t cope with. Whether that came to a head or whether there’s something else going on I don’t know.’

The actress took to Instagram Live to shoot down suggestions that she had fallen out with her professional dancing partner, slamming the claims as ‘bulls***’

Abbington announced her departure form the show in October last year in an Instagram post

The dancer reportedly left Step’s Faye Tozer, 48, in tears after a heated clash backstage of spin-off show It Takes Two in 2018

Pernice’s parents said the dancer ‘was just doing his job’ following Amanda’s shock departure from Strictly.

Addressing the news at the time, Pernice’s father Piero and mother Rosalda admitted that their son ‘trained for long hours but was just doing his job’.

The twinkle-toed star was reportedly only given the news of his partner’s exit a few hours before the official statement was released.

A source told the Daily Star that the processional was worried about the impact on his career.

BBC bosses have been in discussions with the dancer about his future after further bombshell claims were made against him by Step’s Faye Tozer.

The pop star, 48, in tears after a heated clash backstage of spin-off show It Takes Two in 2018.

A source told The Sun how Giovanni’s ‘fiercely competitive’ nature left the pop star emotional and they butted heads during rehearsals.

A BBC spokesman says: ‘Planning around care for those taking part in and competing in our programmes is always a core part of our production process.’

April 2, 2024