It’s a sad day for Strictly Come Dancing fans as Pasha Kovalev has announced that he is quitting.
The Russian professional has been a part of the show for eight years, raising the Glitterball with celeb winner Caroline Flack in 2014.
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A year earlier, he fell in love with current girlfriend Rachel Riley when they were paired together on the BBC show.
News broke of his departure on the official Strictly Twitter account.
Sadly after eight incredible series, the brilliant @PashaKovalev has decided to leave #Strictly😢. Pasha, from all of us, thank you for your amazing choreography and routines over the years. You’ll be sorely missed! 💕 pic.twitter.com/xtHmPwXGrf
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) 13 February 2019
They said: “Sadly after eight incredible series, the brilliant @PashaKovalev has decided to leave #Strictly.
“Pasha, from all of us, thank you for your amazing choreography and routines over the years.
“You’ll be sorely missed! ”
The BBC Press account shared the tweet, adding their own sweet message of thanks…
✨ We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to @PashaKovalev for being part of the #Strictly family for 8 wonderful series – you will be missed ✨ https://t.co/CKdmdskAaz
— BBC Strictly Press (@bbcstrictlyPR) 13 February 2019
Pasha has also tweeted about his plans…
— Pasha Kovalev (@PashaKovalev) 13 February 2019
Fans are gutted, of course!
Hi Pasha, can I just say I am really sorry to hear that you will not be returning back to Strictly this year. All the very best for you and Rachel. But could you consider dancing just for the opening night so the public can say bye.
— stephanie gibson (@gibson_gibson3) 13 February 2019
It's been a pleasure. Good luck. You will be missed. X
— Julie Robinson (@Julieliz10) 13 February 2019
My daughter will be devastated 😢. Wishing your all the best for your new adventures.
— Sara Last (@Mumsafan) 13 February 2019
Will you miss Pasha? What was your favourite pairing with him? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!