Pasha Kovalev's last Strictly dance will be alongside Cheryl Tweedy

It's the end of an era!

Author: Emma DoddsPublished 15th Feb 2019

Pasha Kovalev broke hearts up and down the country earlier this week when he announced that he was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after eight years. The Russian dancer, who met girlfriend Rachel Riley whilst on the show, took to Twitter to reveal that he'd come to the decision that the last series of Strictly had been his last.

He wrote, '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!'

And now, it's being reported that Pasha will indeed have a last dance as part of the Strictly family, taking part in a routine with the other Strictly professionals alongside none other than Cheryl Tweedy on her show The Greatest Dancer.

After confirming that the Strictly group would perform on the show in a trailer for the semi-final of The Greatest Dancer, the Mirror have reported a source as saying that "it’s a great way for Pasha to bow out," adding that judge Cheryl has been "a fan of Strictly for years."

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Pasha Kovalev's last Strictly dance will be alongside Cheryl Tweedy
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Pasha's exit statement was followed by one from Strictly show bosses, who wrote, '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.'

This comes after fellow Strictly professional AJ Pritchard sparked rumours that he was quitting the show too. In an interview with ITV News, the 24-year-old - who has been on the show for three years - confirmed that he has not yet been asked to return to the show, admitting that he "doesn't know yet" whether he'll be going back.

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