Pasha Kovalev

Kovalev began dancing at the age of eight. Until 2000, he competed with partner Anya Garnis in the Amateur Latin category in Russia.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/12ng941GJ4hjjny4JlYgqlY/pasha-kovalev|title=BBC One - Strictly Come Dancing - Pasha Kovalev|website=BBC|access-date=23 February 2019}}

After moving to the US, Kovalev and Garnis turned professional, and from 2002 started competing in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. Their competitive achievements include being finalists in the US Open from 2002 to 2006.{{cite web|url=http://dancesportinfo.net/displayCouple.aspx?coupleId=7492 |title=DancesportInfo.net |publisher=DancesportInfo.net |access-date=2012-06-22}}

In 2007, Kovalev and Garnis auditioned for season 3 of the US reality show So You Think You Can Dance.{{cite web|url=http://www.fox.com/dance/about/season-3 |title=FOX Broadcasting Company - So You Think You Can Dance on FOX - Season 9 - Official Site |publisher=Fox.com |access-date=2012-06-22}} Garnis made it to the Top 12 stage, whereas Kovalev made it all the way to the Semi-Finals. The pair have since participated in all following seasons as either choreographers or as All-Stars.

{{main|So You Think You Can Dance (U.S. season 3)}}

Although originally he only attended the audition to support Anya Garnis, he was asked to audition as well and together with Garnis became one of the 20 contestants chosen to compete in the show's third season from June to August 2007.

After making it all the way to the Top 6, Kovalev was eliminated on 13 August, in the last round before the final, losing out to the two remaining male contestants, contemporary contestants Danny Tidwell and Neil Haskell. Sabra Johnson, the remaining female contemporary contestant, went on to win the competition. Kovalev and Garnis both later took part in the So You Think You Can Dance Tour.

On Season 4, Kovalev assisted Mia Michaels on a Contemporary routine, and he and his partner Anya Garnis choreographed a Cha-Cha routine performed by Courtney Galiano and Gev Manoukian.

On Season 5, Kovalev and Garnis choreographed a Samba for Evan Kasprzak and Randi Evans.

On Season 6, he and Garnis returned to So You Think You Can Dance to lead the choreography rounds during the auditions, and later that season choreographed a Jive for Russell Ferguson and Mollee Gray.

Kovalev was announced as an "All-Star" for both Season 7 and Season 8 of the show, performing all the Latin and Ballroom dances with the female contestants, including winners Lauren Froderman and Melanie Moore.

For Season 9, the following year, he returned to choreograph a Cha-cha routine for contestants Janelle Issis and Dareian Kujawa on the third week of live shows.

Finally, on 16 July 2014, Kovalev returned with Garnis to choreograph a new Jive routine for contestants Bridget Whitman and Emilio Dosal during Season 11.

In September 2011, Kovalev joined BBC's Strictly Come Dancing as the new professional dancer of its ninth series,{{cite news|author=Pasha Kovalev |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/strictly-come-dancing-2011-pasha-181447 |title=Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Pasha Kovalev replaces Jared Murillo |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=2011-01-02 |access-date=2012-06-22}} replacing Jared Murillo who had left after only one series with the BBC programme. He has since reached the finals three out of five series, finishing runner-up on his first and second series, and winning on his fourth.

Kovalev was the second Strictly professional dancer to reach the finals four times (after Kevin Clifton) as the winner of Series 12 and the runner-up of Series 9, Series 10 and Series 16.

Along with his Series 12 partner, the late Caroline Flack, and Series 16 partner Ashley Roberts, Kovalev holds the record for the longest consecutive run of perfect scores, after scoring a 40 for each of their last four dances. Flack and Kovalev were also the first to receive a perfect score for all three of their dances in the final.

With Roberts, Kovalev holds the record for most maximum scores of 40, by any couple, with five. Kovalev also holds the record for most perfect scores, with a total of 13.

Key

:{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Winner of the series

:{{Color box|silver|border=darkgray}} Runner-up of the series

:{{Color box|white|border=darkgray}} Non finalist

:{{Color box|orange|border=darkgray}} First elimination of the series

:{{Color box|lightblue|border=darkgray}} Participating

Kovalev has received the highest score in the history of Strictly Come Dancing for nine of the show's eighteen dance styles - eight of which except for the Rumba achieved perfect scores - and was the first Strictly professional dancer to receive a perfect score for the Paso Doble and also for the Tango. Furthermore, he has received a ten from at least one of the judges for all of the show's dance styles, except the Waltz.

The dance styles for which he holds the record for the highest score ever awarded are the Paso Doble and the Rumba, with Series 9 partner Chelsee Healey; the Charleston and the Tango, with Series 10 partner Kimberley Walsh; the Salsa, the Cha Cha Cha, the Charleston and the Showdance, with Series 12 partner Caroline Flack; and the Jive, the American Smooth, the Salsa, the Showdance and the Charleston with Series 16 partner Ashley Roberts. Kovalev and Walsh also received the only perfect score for the Series 10 Fusion dance, dancing to a mashup of the Cha Cha Cha and the Tango.

Highest and lowest scoring performances per dance

;*Scores earned on Christmas or any other specials are not included;

;*Green and Red numbers indicate the scores that were the best and worst per dance in Strictly history;

;*Kovalev received an additional perfect score (40) for a Fusion dance of the Cha Cha Cha and Tango with Series 10 partner Kimberley Walsh.

Number of tens received per dance between series 9 and 16

;*10s earned on Christmas or any other specials are not included;

;*Kovalev received 4 additional 10s for a Fusion dance of the Cha Cha Cha and Tango with Series 10 partner Kimberley Walsh.

All marks received per dance between series 9 and 16

;*Marks earned on Christmas or any other specials are not included;

;* * This style of dance was introduced for one series only and was performed as a mashup of the Cha Cha Cha and Tango on Week 10 of Series 10, receiving a perfect score from the judges.

{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 9)}}

In the ninth series, his first, Kovalev was partnered with Waterloo Road actress, Chelsee Healey.{{cite web|author=Chelsee Healey |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/2011/dancers/celebrity/chelsee_healey.shtml |title=Strictly Come Dancing 2011 - Celebrities - Chelsee Healey |publisher=BBC |date=2011|access-date=22 June 2012}}

The couple received the-then only perfect score ever awarded for the Paso Doble and made it all the way to the finals, finishing as runners-up to Harry Judd and his partner Aliona Vilani.[https://web.archive.org/web/20111218235118/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/strictly-come-dancing/8963987/McFlys-Harry-Judd-wins-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html McFly's Harry Judd wins Strictly Come Dancing] The Telegraph, 18 December 2011

;*Green number indicates Chelsee & Pasha were at the top of the leaderboard.

;*Red number indicates Chelsee & Pasha were at the bottom of the leaderboard.

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 10)}}

For the tenth series it was revealed that he would be dancing with Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh.[https://web.archive.org/web/20121009071741/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/strictly-come-dancing/9559257/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2012-Kimberley-Walsh-and-Pasha-Kovalev-in-training.html Strictly Come Dancing 2012: Kimberley Walsh and Pasha Kovalev in training] The Telegraph, 21 September 2012

The couple received the first perfect score ever awarded for the Tango and made it all the way to the finals, finishing as the runners-up to Olympic gymnast Louis Smith and his partner Flavia Cacace.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/kimberly-walshs-strictly-come-dancing-1504654 Girls Aloud star finishes runner up] Mirror Online, 24 December 2012

By coming second, Pasha became the first male professional dancer to reach two consecutive Strictly finals, and the third professional dancer to do so overall after Lilia Kopylova and Aliona Vilani.

;*Green number indicates Kimberley & Pasha were at the top of the leaderboard

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 11)}}

For the eleventh series, Kovalev was partnered with Countdown & The Gadget Show co-presenter, and future wife, Rachel Riley.[http://metro.co.uk/2013/09/07/strictly-come-dancing-2013-how-will-the-pairings-fare-3953781/ Strictly Come Dancing 2013: From Abbey and Aljaz to Ben and Kristina, how will the pairings fare?] Metro, 7 September 2013

During their time at the competition, the couple were never at the top or bottom of the leaderboard, and on Week 6, despite receiving their highest score of the series, they were eliminated after losing out in the dance-off to Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec.[http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/03/rachel-riley-loses-out-to-abbey-clancy-in-dance-off-to-become-fifth-striclty-come-dancing-casulatyout-4171402/ Rachel Riley sashays off Strictly Come Dancing after losing out to Abbey Clancy in dance-off] Metro, 3 November 2013

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 12)}}

For the twelfth series of the show in 2014, it was announced that Kovalev would partner former The Xtra Factor presenter, the late Caroline Flack.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-2014-launch-4180231 Strictly Come Dancing 2014 launch show recap: Meet celeb contestants and partners] Mirror Online, 7 September 2014

The couple earned the first perfect 40 of the series for their salsa in the semi-finals, followed by an additional 3 in the finals giving them a perfect total of 120 points, a feat unmatched in the history of the competition. On 20 December 2014, the couple were crowned the champions of the series.[https://web.archive.org/web/20141222130819/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/strictly-come-dancing/11306346/Watch-Caroline-Flack-crowned-Strictly-champion.html Watch: Caroline Flack crowned Strictly champion] The Telegraph, 21 December 2014

As the reigning Strictly champions, The couple performed their Salsa routine a second time during the launch show of Series 13.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/caroline-flack-sexes-up-strictly-6390186 Caroline Flack sexes up Strictly Come Dancing as she returns for winning performance on launch night] Mirror Online, 5 September 2015

;*Green number indicates Caroline & Pasha were at the top of the leaderboard

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 13)}}

For the Thirteenth series of the show in 2015, Kovalev returned as the reigning Strictly champion, and was paired up with BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-recap-dance-6388889 Strictly Come Dancing RECAP as the dance partners were announced on launch night] Mirror Online, 5 September 2015

Although the couple regularly landed at the bottom of the leaderboard, they successfully made it seven weeks without ever being in the bottom two. Kirkwood also set a record for joint lowest scoring Rumba on the show, tied with previous contestant Fiona Phillips, with just thirteen points out of a possible forty. On their seventh and final week, they were eliminated by EastEnders's Kellie Bright and Kevin Clifton in the dance off.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-says-goodbye-6794965 Strictly Come Dancing says goodbye to Carol Kirkwood as she and Pasha Kovalev are eliminated] Mirror Online, 8 November 2015

;*Red number indicates Carol & Pasha were at the bottom of the leaderboard

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 14)}}

For series fourteen Kovalev was partnered with BBC news presenter Naga Munchetty. They were eliminated in week 4 against Anastacia and Brendan Cole in unanimous decision by the judges.

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 15)}}

For series fifteen Kovalev was paired with British actress Chizzy Akudolu. They were the first couple eliminated after losing to Brian Conley and Amy Dowden in the first dance-off of the series, on 1 October 2017.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2017/10/01/strictly-come-dancing-2017-first-live-results-will-reverend/ Chizzy Akudolu becomes the first celebrity hoofer sent home] The Telegraph, 2 October 2017

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{{main|Strictly Come Dancing (series 16)}}

For Series 16, Kovalev was partnered with former The Pussycat Dolls singer, Ashley Roberts. The couple went on to become the highest scoring couple of all time.

The pair matched Kovalev's previous record, set in 2014 with his former partner Series 12 winner the late Caroline Flack, of scoring perfect 40s for all three dances in the final. They also set the records of achieving the most 40s during a series, with five, as well as the-then highest average score in the history of the series with 36.94.

They finished as joint runners-ups to winners Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

• Score awarded by guest judge Alfonso Ribeiro *

;*Green number indicates Ashley & Pasha were at the top of the leaderboard

In 2008, Kovalev and Garnis appeared on the sixth season of Dancing with the Stars in a results show performance, dancing to "Come On Over" by Jessica Simpson.

In early 2009 he again performed with Garnis on the international dance show Superstars of Dance, representing Russia in the duet category, but they were then replaced by another couple in the 19 January episode.

In early 2010, the pair guest-choreographed for the third season of So You Think You Can Dance Australia.

On 4 January 2013, Kovalev guest starred in the music video of "One Day I'll Fly Away", the lead single of Centre Stage, his series 10 partner Kimberley Walsh's first solo album. Filming occurred on 4 January 2013 at Pinewood Studios, and the music video premiered on 17 January 2013. It features Walsh performing the song in different settings, until she is joined by Kovalev and they perform a ballet number.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/first-look-at-kimberley-walshs-music-1542183|title=First look at Kimberley Walsh's music video for One Day I'll Fly Away!|last=Jeffries|first=Mark|date=17 January 2013|access-date=17 January 2013|work=Daily Mirror|publisher=Trinity Mirror}}

In March 2013, ahead of Comic Relief's Red Nose Day 2013, comedian Miranda Hart took part in a Strictly Extravaganza, where she attempted to dance ballroom with Kovalev, as one of her five Miranda's Mad March challenges.[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/dirty-dancing-miranda-hart-hops-1741221 Dirty Dancing Miranda Hart hops to it at Manchester town hall for Comic Relief] Manchester Evening News 13 March 2013.

{{main|Children in Need}}

On 18 November 2011, Kovalev took part in a Strictly BBC Newsreaders programme benefiting Children in Need, where he partnered with newsreader Emily Maitlis for a group dance.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturepicturegalleries/8891783/Strictly-Come-Dancing-newsreaders-perform-for-Children-in-Need-special.html?image=7 |title=Strictly Come Dancing: newsreaders perform for Children in Need special |newspaper=Telegraph |date=15 November 2011 |access-date=22 June 2012}}

In 2016, Kovalev was partnered with Olympic champion rower Helen Glover for the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Strictly Special, taking place on 18 November.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-10-29/team-gb-olympic-athletes-to-join-strictly-pros-for-children-in-need-special |title=Team GB Olympic athletes to join Strictly pros for Children in Need special |magazine=Radio Times |access-date=29 October 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2016/10/25/strictly-come-dancing-children-in-need-special-will-star-gb-olym/ |title=Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need special will star team GB Olympic athletes |newspaper=Telegraph |access-date=20 October 2016}}

Key

:{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Winner of the special

:{{Color box|white|border=darkgray}} Non winner

:{{Color box|lightblue|border=darkgray}} Participating

{{main|Sport Relief}}

On 23 March 2012, Kovalev and his Strictly Series 9 partner Chelsee Healey took part in the Sport Relief 2012 Strictly Come Dancing Underwater special, in aid of Sport Relief, competing against winners Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani. After receiving even scores from the judges, the pair won the show due to head judge Len Goodman breaking the tie in their favour.[http://metro.co.uk/2012/03/23/sport-relief-2012-harry-judd-causes-twitter-frenzy-with-underwater-strictly-372057/ Sport Relief 2012: Harry Judd causes Twitter frenzy with underwater Strictly] Metro 23 March 2012.

In 2014, during a Paralympian special for Sport Relief 2014, Kovalev was partnered with Paralympic gold medalist Hannah Cockroft. After performing a group dance with the other contestants, the couple was declared the winners by the judges.{{cite web|title=Sport Relief does Strictly|url=http://wdsauk.co.uk/sport-relief-does-strictly/|website=Wheelchair Dance Support Association (UK)|access-date=12 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164058/http://wdsauk.co.uk/sport-relief-does-strictly/|archive-date=14 July 2014|df=dmy-all}}

Key

:{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Winner of the special

:{{Color box|white|border=darkgray}} Non winner

:{{Color box|lightblue|border=darkgray}} Participating

{{main|Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Specials}}

In December 2012, Kovalev and Healey were partnered again for a Strictly Allstar group dance during the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/11/27/chelsee-healey-strictly-come-dancing_n_2196659.html Chelsee Healey Prepares For 'Strictly Come Dancing' Return] The Huffington Post (UK) 27 November 2012.

In December 2013, Kovalev was partnered with West End star Elaine Paige during the 2013 Strictly Christmas Special.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2013/strictly-xmas-special.html |title=Media Centre - Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special line-up confirmed |publisher=BBC |access-date=25 November 2013}} The couple received a total of 39 points for their Cha-Cha, the highest score of the night, with only judge Len Goodman giving them a 9. They ultimately lost to comedian Rufus Hound after a vote by the studio audience.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-reviews/strictly-come-dancing-christmas-special-2956314 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special verdict] Daily Mirror 25 December 2013.

In December 2015, the full lineup of the 2015 Christmas special featured six returning contestants, including four former champions, in a change to recent tradition.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/strictly-come-dancing-christmas-special-6859140 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special contestants revealed] Daily Mirror 19 November 2015. Kovalev was partnered with television and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon, who finished in third place in the sixth series of the show.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/strictly-christmas Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2015 celebrity line-up revealed] BBC Press Release 19 November 2015. The pair earned 37 points from the judges for a Quickstep to "Let It Snow!", but eventually lost to series 9 winner Harry Judd.[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/12/23/strictly-come-dancing-christmas-special-2015-winners-harry-judd_n_8868514.html Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas Special: Harry Judd Crowned Winner] The Huffington Post UK 25 December 2015.

The celebrity lineup of the 2016 Christmas special, which like the previous year, featured six returning contestants, was announced on 7 November 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/strictly-christmas |title=Strictly Christmas Special line-up revealed - Media Centre |publisher=BBC |date=7 November 2016 |access-date=10 November 2016}} Kovalev was partnered with New Zealand writer and actress Pamela Stephenson, and danced the Cha-Cha to "Jump" from the "Love Actually" soundtrack.[http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-06/strictly-come-dancing-2016-christmas-special-photos-and-celebrity-dances-revealed Strictly Come Dancing 2016 Christmas special photos and celebrity dances revealed] Radio times 2 December 2016. The pair earned 39 points from the judges but lost to comedian Melvin Odoom.[http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-12-25/surprise-champion-melvin-odoom-wins-the-strictly-come-dancing-2016-christmas-special-as-len-goodman-says-goodbye Surprise champion Melvin Odoom wins the Strictly Come Dancing 2016 Christmas special] Radio times 25 December 2016.

The full line-up of the 2017 Christmas special, which features six returning contestants and their professional partners, was announced on 6 November 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/strictlycomedancing/entries/0faa2806-08fe-4c83-bb5e-91327a86f55c|title=BBC Blogs - Strictly Come Dancing - Strictly Christmas line-up announced|publisher=BBC |date=6 November 2017 |access-date=10 November 2017}} Kovalev was partnered with ex-partner and Series 10 runner-up Kimberley Walsh and danced the Jive to "Run Rudolph Run". The pair earned 39 points from the judges, the highest score of the night, but lost to newscaster Katie Derham.[https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/strictly-come-dancing-2017-christmas-special-winner-katie-derham-brendan-cole_uk_5a393d7de4b0860bf4ab6208 'Strictly Come Dancing' Christmas Special 2017 Crowns Katie Derham Champion] HuffPost 25 December 2017.

Key

:{{Color box|gold|border=darkgray}} Winner of the special

:{{Color box|white|border=darkgray}} Non winner

:{{Color box|lightblue|border=darkgray}} Participating

Performances and judges' scores

;*Green number indicates the couple was at the top of the judges' leaderboard.

In August 2009, Kovalev and his partner Garnis joined the cast of Jason Gilkison's production Burn the Floor, one of the leading ballroom based shows in the world, during its stint on Broadway.[http://www.broadway.com/buzz/133771/star-dancers-anya-garnis-and-pasha-kovalev-to-join-burn-the-floor/ Star Dancers Anya Garnis and Pasha Kovalev to Join Burn the Floor] Broadway.com. 2009-08-04. The pair succeed departing Dancing with the Stars performers Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/garnis-and-kovalev-will-burn-the-floor-on-broadway-163289 Garnis and Kovalev Will Burn the Floor on Broadway] Playbill. 2009-08-18.

Later in 2010, the pair joined the touring company of the show from 7 September to 28 November.[http://www.playbill.com/news/article/anya-garnis-and-pasha-kovalev-will-be-part-of-burn-the-floor-tour-170734 Anya Garnis and Pasha Kovalev Will Be Part of Burn the Floor Tour] Playbill. 2010-08-09. Kovalev left the show in the summer of 2011 to join the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/strictly-come-dancing-2011-pasha-181447 Strictly Come Dancing 2011: Pasha Kovalev replaces Jared Murillo] Daily Mirror. 2011-06-15.

Kovalev and professional partner Anya Garnis started dating as teenagers after meeting in dance class in Siberia.[https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/rachel-riley-divorce-strictly-come-2869454 Rachel Riley's marriage breakdown 'had nothing to do with Strictly Come Dancing'] Daily Mirror 30 November 2013. In 2000, the couple moved to the United States together.

Kovalev is against the Russian invasion of Ukraine[cite news|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/pasha-kovalev-ukraine-125224985.html] [cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/rachel-riley-russian-husband-pasha-26389168]and supports peace between the two countries.

Kovalev started dating his former Strictly partner Rachel Riley in 2013, and the couple now live together .{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/strictly-come-dancing-curse-won-t-ruin-rachel-riley-relationship-says-pasha-kovalev-a3340186.html|title=Strictly Come Dancing won't ruin Rachel Riley relationship says Pasha Kovalev|newspaper=Evening Standard|access-date=12 December 2016}}

In May 2019, Riley and Kovalev announced via social media that they were expecting their first child in December. The couple subsequently married in Las Vegas on 28 June 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48823920|title=Countdown's Rachel Riley marries Strictly's Pasha|date=2019-07-01|access-date=2019-07-20|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|title=DocDetails|url=https://clerk.clarkcountynv.gov/AcclaimWeb/Document/DocDetails?TransactionItemId=12341712|access-date=2021-02-11|website=clerk.clarkcountynv.gov}} Their daughter was born on 15 December 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48407953|title=Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev are having a baby|website=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=2019-07-20}} They welcomed their second daughter on 5 November 2021.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/rachel-riley-daughter-birth-name-noa-b1954210.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/rachel-riley-daughter-birth-name-noa-b1954210.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Rachel Riley gives birth to daughter and reveals unusual name |work=The Independent |date=November 8, 2021 |first=Olivia |last=Petter}}

In 2007, Kovalev headlined the So You Think You Can Dance Season 3 Live Tour, along with the other Top 10 contestants, visiting 50 cities in the United States.{{cite web | title=2007 Tour | work=Fox | url=http://www.fox.com/dance/showinfo/tour2007.htm | access-date=2007-07-26 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070821021316/http://www.fox.com/dance/showinfo/tour2007.htm |archive-date = 2007-08-21}}

Although eliminated in the Top 12 stage of the competition, his professional partner Anya Garnis was invited to take part as an alternate performer. The pair were able to perform together on the tour due to dancer Lacey Schwimmer needing a replacement in some of her routines because of an injury to her meniscus.

Kovalev took part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live! 2012 Tour with his celebrity partner Chelsee Healey from 20 January to 26 February, and was partnered with Series 10 finalist Dani Harmer on the 2013 Tour,{{cite web |url=http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/the-line-up/celebrity-dancers/celebrity-dancers-2013/ |title=Celebrity Dancers 2013 – Strictly Come Dancing – The Live TourStrictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour |publisher=Strictlycomedancinglive.com |date=29 November 2012 |access-date=2012-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201123654/http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/the-line-up/celebrity-dancers/celebrity-dancers-2013/ |archive-date=1 December 2012 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/the-line-up/professional-dancers/professional-dancers-2013/ |title=Professional Dancers 2013 – Strictly Come Dancing – The Live TourStrictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour |publisher=Strictlycomedancinglive.com |date=9 December 2012 |access-date=2012-11-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205161751/http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/the-line-up/professional-dancers/professional-dancers-2013/ |archive-date=5 December 2012 |df=dmy-all }} starting 18 January 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/tour-dates-2013/ |title=Tour Dates 2013 – Strictly Come Dancing – The Live TourStrictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour |publisher=Strictlycomedancinglive.com |access-date=2012-11-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027090319/http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/tour-dates-2013/ |archive-date=27 October 2012 |df=dmy-all }}

He didn't take part in the 2014 Tour with partner Rachel Riley, and the following year, he opted to focus on his own tour, with Tristan MacManus stepping in to partner with the late Caroline Flack during the 2015 Tour.

Kovalev formed a new professional partnership with fellow Strictly professional Katya Virshilas. With their show An evening with Katya and Pasha they toured the UK from 27 March to 6 May 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.katyaandpasha.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310002309/http://www.katyaandpasha.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-03-10 |title=HOME |publisher=katyaandpasha |access-date=2013-10-07 }}

The couple reprised the tour in 2013, and finally in 2014.[http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/strictly-come-dancing-tour-merseyside-7040587 Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Virshilas on her latest tour with Pasha Kovalev] Liverpool Echo 28 April 2014.

Beginning March 2015, Kovalev performed throughout Britain, with original partner Anya Garnis as his special guest, on his Life Through Dance Tour.[http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/pasha-kovalev-talks-strictly-new-8866800 Pasha Kovalev talks Strictly and his new live show] Liverpool Echo 25 March 2015.

Kovalev announced his 2016 It's All About You tour, including 74 shows from 18 March to 12 June.[http://www.pashakovalev.co.uk/tour-dates/4586985715 It's All About You Tour Dates] Official Website Tour Schedule Professional partner Anya Garnis guest starred once again.

Kovalev announced his appearance at Dancing With The Stars Weekend{{cite web |title=5* Weekend Break with the Stars of BBC Strictly Come Dancing |url=https://www.donaheys.co.uk/events/wales-dancing-holiday/ |website=www.donaheys.co.uk}} Friday 24th – Sunday 26 April 2020 at Celtic Manor Resort Hotel.

{{Reflist}}

• {{IMDb name|2690701}}
• [http://www.pashakovalev.co.uk Official Website]

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{succession box

|title=Strictly Come Dancing Champion
(with partner Caroline Flack)

|years=Series 12 (2014)

|before=Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Skorjanec

|after= Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani

}}

{{succession box

|title=Strictly Come Dancing Runner-Up
(with partner Kimberley Walsh)

|years=Series 10 (2012)

|before=Chelsee Healey & Pasha Kovalev

|after=Susanna Reid & Kevin Clifton
Natalie Gumede & Artem Chigvintsev

}}

{{succession box

|title=Strictly Come Dancing Runner-Up
(with partner Chelsee Healey)

|years=Series 9 (2011)

|before=Matt Baker & Aliona Vilani

|after=Kimberley Walsh & Pasha Kovalev
Denise van Outen & James Jordan

}}

{{s-end}}

{{Strictly Come Dancing}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kovalev, Pasha}}

Category:1980 births

Category:Living people

Category:Russian male dancers

Category:Russian ballroom dancers

Category:So You Think You Can Dance choreographers

Category:So You Think You Can Dance (American TV series) contestants

Category:Strictly Come Dancing winners

Category:People from Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Category:Russian expatriates in the United Kingdom

Category:Russian expatriates in the United States

Category:21st-century American dancers

Category:21st-century Russian dancers