Introduction
Rachel Riley has become a household name in British television, captivating audiences with her mathematical brilliance on Countdown and her charming personality across various TV appearances. The Oxford University graduate has built an impressive career as a TV presenter and mathematician, but behind her professional success lies a beautiful love story that began on the dance floor.
Rachel Riley and husband Pasha Kovalev share a romance that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Their relationship, which blossomed under the glittering lights of one of Britain’s most beloved entertainment shows, has grown into a strong marriage filled with love, mutual respect, and shared values. From dance partners to life partners, their journey together showcases how genuine connection can flourish in the most unexpected circumstances. This modern love story continues to inspire fans who have watched their relationship evolve from colleagues to soulmates, proving that sometimes the best relationships start with friendship and shared passion.
Pasha Kovalev – Quick Facts
| Full Name | Pavel Kovalev (Pasha Kovalev) |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years old |
| Birthplace | Siberia, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian-American |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer |
| Famous For | Strictly Come Dancing (2011-2019) |
| Spouse | Rachel Riley (m. 2019) |
| Children | 2 daughters (Maven and Noa) |
| Years Active | 2000s – Present |
Who is Rachel Riley’s Husband?
Rachel Riley’s husband is Pasha Kovalev, a renowned professional dancer who captured hearts across the nation with his exceptional talent and charismatic presence. Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha has established himself as one of the most accomplished ballroom and Latin dancers in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning multiple countries and prestigious competitions.
Pasha’s journey to stardom began long before he met Rachel. After honing his craft in Russia, he moved to America, where he showcased his dancing prowess on the popular show Dancing with the Stars. His smooth moves and professional demeanor quickly made him a fan favorite, setting the stage for even greater success across the Atlantic.
The professional dancer’s career reached new heights when he joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. Over his impressive eight-year tenure on the show, which lasted until 2019, Pasha became one of the most beloved professional dancers in the program’s history. His expertise in both ballroom and Latin dance styles, combined with his patient teaching approach and genuine warmth, made him an ideal partner for celebrity contestants navigating the challenging world of competitive dance.
How old is Rachel Riley husband? Pasha was born on January 19, 1980, making him 45 years old. His years of experience in professional dance have given him not only technical mastery but also the maturity and grace that have defined both his career and his approach to life and relationships.
How Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Met
The love story between Rachel and Pasha began in 2013 during Series 11 of Strictly Come Dancing, where fate brought them together as dance partners. Rachel, known primarily for her mathematical genius on Countdown, stepped out of her comfort zone to participate in the beloved dance competition, while Pasha was assigned as her professional partner to guide her through the demanding routines.
Their partnership on the show was marked by dedication, hard work, and an undeniable chemistry that viewers couldn’t help but notice. Week after week, audiences watched as Rachel transformed from a nervous beginner into a confident dancer under Pasha’s expert guidance. The pair trained intensively, spending countless hours together perfecting their routines, which naturally created a strong bond between them.
At the time they were partnered, Rachel was in a relationship with someone else. Rachel Riley first husband wasn’t actually a husband but rather her then-boyfriend Jamie Gilbert, whom she had married in 2012. The mathematician had tied the knot with Jamie, her university sweetheart, just a year before appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. However, the intensive nature of the competition and the time spent with Pasha would ultimately change the course of her personal life.
The chemistry between Rachel and Pasha extended far beyond the dance floor. Their playful banter during rehearsals, the way they supported each other during challenging routines, and their genuine friendship became increasingly apparent. While both remained professional throughout the competition, it was clear to those watching that something special was developing between the TV presenter and her dance partner.
Their Strictly journey together lasted several weeks, with the pair delivering memorable performances that showcased not just their technical skills but also their natural connection. Though they didn’t win the competition, they gained something far more valuable – a foundation for a relationship that would blossom into lasting love.
From Dance Partners to Life Partners
Following their time on Strictly Come Dancing, Rachel’s personal life underwent significant changes. Her marriage to Jamie Gilbert ended in 2013, the same year she appeared on the show. While the timing led to speculation, both Rachel and Pasha maintained that their romantic relationship didn’t begin until after Rachel’s separation was already underway.
By 2014, Rachel Riley and husband-to-be Pasha had officially started dating, taking their relationship from professional partnership to romantic involvement. The couple chose to keep their budding romance relatively private initially, understanding the intense media scrutiny that often accompanies relationships that begin in the public eye.
Their relationship developed steadily over the following years, with both continuing to focus on their respective careers while building a life together. Pasha continued his successful run on Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with various celebrities and maintaining his status as one of the show’s most accomplished professional dancers. Meanwhile, Rachel continued her work on Countdown and expanded her television presence with appearances on various shows.
The couple’s commitment to each other deepened over time, and in late 2018 or early 2019, Pasha proposed to Rachel. The engagement was a private affair, reflecting the couple’s preference for keeping their most intimate moments away from the constant glare of media attention. Fans and followers were thrilled when the news eventually became public, celebrating the couple’s decision to take their relationship to the next level.
Is Rachel Riley Still Married to Pasha?
Yes, Rachel Riley is still married to Pasha Kovalev. The couple tied the knot in 2019 in an intimate ceremony that perfectly reflected their personalities and values. Rather than opting for a lavish, publicized wedding, Rachel Rileys husband and she chose to exchange vows in Las Vegas in a low-key celebration that focused on their commitment to each other rather than external fanfare.
The Las Vegas wedding was a far cry from traditional celebrity nuptials, which often involve extensive media coverage and hundreds of guests. Instead, Rachel and Pasha’s ceremony was intimate and personal, attended by only their closest loved ones. This decision spoke volumes about the couple’s approach to their relationship – prioritizing genuine connection and meaningful moments over public spectacle.
Their marriage has flourished in the years since, with both partners supporting each other’s professional endeavors while building a strong family foundation. The couple has navigated the challenges of maintaining careers in the entertainment industry while prioritizing their relationship and family life, demonstrating a mature approach to work-life balance.
Family Life and Children
Does Rachel Riley have any children? Yes, Rachel and Pasha are proud parents to two daughters who have brought immense joy to their lives. Their first daughter, Maven, was born in December 2019, just months after their wedding. The arrival of their first child marked a new chapter in their relationship, transforming them from newlyweds into parents navigating the beautiful chaos of raising a baby.
The couple welcomed their second daughter, Noa, adding to their growing family and doubling the love in their household. Both Rachel and Pasha have spoken about how parenthood has changed their perspectives and priorities, bringing them even closer together as they navigate the challenges and rewards of raising young children.
Rachel has been relatively open about her experiences with motherhood, occasionally sharing glimpses of family life on social media while still maintaining boundaries to protect her daughters’ privacy. She’s discussed the realities of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of motherhood, offering honest insights that many working parents can relate to.
Rachel Riley’s husband has embraced fatherhood with the same dedication he brought to his dancing career. Pasha has stepped back from the intense schedule of Strictly Come Dancing to focus more on family life, making the conscious decision to prioritize time with his daughters during their crucial early years. This choice reflects the couple’s shared values about family and the importance of being present during their children’s formative years.
The family maintains a relatively private life despite Rachel’s continued public presence. While fans occasionally get sweet glimpses into their family dynamics through carefully chosen social media posts, the couple has been intentional about not overexposing their children to public attention, allowing them to grow up with as much normalcy as possible.
Are Rachel and Brendon Still Married?
This question appears to be based on confusion or misinformation. Rachel Riley is not and has never been married to anyone named Brendon. Rachel Riley’s husband is Pasha Kovalev, the professional dancer she met on Strictly Come Dancing. The confusion might stem from mixing up details about different celebrities or simply a misunderstanding about Rachel’s relationship history.
As mentioned earlier, before Pasha, Rachel was married to Jamie Gilbert, her university boyfriend, whom she wed in 2012. That marriage ended in 2013, and she subsequently began her relationship with Pasha, whom she married in 2019. There is no “Brendon” in Rachel’s romantic history that has been publicly documented or confirmed.
What Happened to Rachel and Her Husband?
For those wondering “what happened to Rachel and her husband,” the answer is quite positive – they’re thriving! Rachel and Pasha continue to enjoy a happy marriage while co-parenting their two young daughters and managing their respective careers. Their relationship has gone from strength to strength since their wedding, with both partners expressing contentment and fulfillment in their life together.
The couple has successfully navigated the transitions that come with major life changes, including Pasha’s decision to step away from Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 to focus on other opportunities and family time. This decision allowed him to be more present for his growing family and explore different professional ventures beyond the demanding schedule of the long-running dance show.
Rachel has continued her successful television career, maintaining her position on Countdown while also participating in various other programs and public appearances. Throughout it all, Pasha has been a supportive partner, often caring for their daughters while Rachel works, demonstrating the couple’s commitment to equal partnership and shared responsibilities.
Their relationship appears to be built on a solid foundation of mutual respect, shared humor, and genuine affection. Both have spoken in interviews about how they support each other’s ambitions while also prioritizing their family unit. The couple seems to have found a healthy balance between maintaining individual identities and professional pursuits while nurturing their marriage and family life.
Life After Strictly for Pasha
Since departing from Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, Pasha has embraced new chapters in both his personal and professional life. The decision to leave the show that had been such a significant part of his career wasn’t made lightly, but it reflected his changing priorities as a husband and father.
Post-Strictly, Pasha has explored various opportunities within the entertainment industry while maintaining flexibility in his schedule to accommodate family commitments. He’s participated in dance tours, made special guest appearances, and remained connected to the dance community that has been his professional home for decades.
The professional dancer has also embraced the role of being a more hands-on parent, something that the demanding Strictly schedule – which involves months of intensive training and live shows – made challenging. This shift has allowed him to be present for important family moments and daily routines that he might have otherwise missed.
Rachel’s Continued Success
Throughout her marriage and motherhood journey, Rachel has continued to shine in her television career. Her long-standing role on Countdown remains a cornerstone of her professional life, where she continues to charm audiences with her quick mathematical skills and engaging personality.
Beyond Countdown, Rachel has appeared on various panel shows, documentaries, and special programs, maintaining her visibility in British television. She’s also been active on social media, where she shares her perspectives on various topics, though always maintaining appropriate boundaries when it comes to her family’s privacy.
Rachel has been open about the challenges of balancing career demands with motherhood, offering refreshingly honest takes on the realities of being a working parent. Her ability to maintain professional success while prioritizing family life has made her relatable to many viewers who face similar juggling acts in their own lives.
Conclusion
The story of Rachel Riley and husband Pasha Kovalev is a testament to how genuine connections can develop in unexpected circumstances. From their initial meeting as dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing to building a beautiful family together, their journey has been marked by authenticity, mutual respect, and deep affection.
Today, the couple continues to write their love story, balancing the demands of public life with the privacy they cherish for their family. With their two daughters bringing joy and purpose to their lives, Rachel and Pasha have created the kind of partnership that many aspire to – one built on friendship, shared values, and unwavering support for each other’s dreams and goals.
Their relationship serves as a reminder that the best love stories don’t always follow conventional paths, and that sometimes, the person meant for you might be found in the most unexpected places – even on a dance floor under studio lights.
For more information, visit Digi Magazine.
