Pasha Kovalev has quit Strictly Come Dancing after eight years on the show

He's one of the most popular professionals on the show

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 13th Feb 2019
Last updated 13th Feb 2019

Strictly Come Dancing's Pasha Kovalev has just announced his departure from the show after eight years. The 39-year-old, who is originally from Russia, has decided to leave the show after almost a decade, having made it to the final with Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts in last year's series.

Taking to Twitter, the dancer released an official statement which read, 'After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching 4 finals and lifting 1 Glitterball, it's time for me to find a new challenge and so I've decided to make last year my final season on Strictly. I've had eight fantastic years full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.

'The biggest thanks goes to all the members of the public who've supported me so much over these years - I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come!'

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Pasha Kovalev has quit Strictly Come Dancing after eight years on the show
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In an official statement on Twitter, Strictly Come Dancing also shared the news, writing, '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! 💕.' sic

This came alongside a picture of Pasha - who found love with Rachel Riley on the show - holding the Glitterball Trophy with his 2014, Caroline Flack, with whom he won the show. A statement read, 'Pasha is an incredibly talented and dedicated dancer who is much-loved by his Strictly family and viewers and will be hugely missed.

'Since joining the show in 2011, he has competed in eight series, made it to four finals and was crowned champion with Caroline Flack in 2014. We would like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show over the years and wish him the very best for the future.'

Of course, fans of the show were devastated that Pasha won't be returning to the show, with many writing messages of sadness under the statements. However, many congratulated him on his move and wished him well, with one writing, 'I'll be sorry to see you go, you've been such a big part of Strictly for me - yours was the first tour I ever went to (which started me on a rocky road to addiction ) I will miss you, Pasha, but wish you all the very best in your future dance adventures!'

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