Rachel Riley is one of the most recognizable faces on British television, best known for her role as the numbers expert on Countdown. While her successful broadcasting career has made her a household name, many fans are equally curious about her personal life, particularly her marriage to former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Their relationship has attracted public attention for years, with many people searching for information about Rachel Riley husband, how they met, when they got married, and whether they are still together.
This comprehensive guide explores everything known about Rachel Riley’s husband, their love story, family life, and the relationship that grew from a television partnership into a lasting marriage.
Who Is Rachel Riley’s Husband?
Rachel Riley husband is Pasha Kovalev, a professional ballroom and Latin dancer who rose to fame through the BBC’s hit dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Known for his charm, technical skill, and successful partnerships with celebrity contestants, Kovalev became one of the show’s most popular professional dancers during his time on the series.
Born in Russia, Pasha built an impressive career in competitive dance before moving into television. His talent and friendly personality helped him gain a large fan following in the United Kingdom. However, beyond his dancing achievements, he is perhaps best known today as the husband of television presenter Rachel Riley.
The couple has become one of the most enduring relationships to emerge from Strictly Come Dancing, proving that some on-screen partnerships can develop into genuine, long-lasting romances.
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev’s Love Story
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev first met in 2013 when Riley joined the eleventh series of Strictly Come Dancing as a celebrity contestant. Pasha was assigned as her professional dance partner, and together they competed against other celebrity-dancer pairings.
Although the pair did not win the competition and were eliminated during the sixth week, they developed a strong friendship during their time on the show. As they spent more time together after filming ended, their connection deepened and eventually turned into a romantic relationship.
Their romance attracted considerable media attention because it emerged shortly after Riley’s separation from her first husband. Despite public scrutiny, Rachel and Pasha chose to focus on building their relationship privately. Over time, they became one of the most admired celebrity couples in Britain.
What began as a professional partnership on the dance floor evolved into a meaningful relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and shared experiences.
Rachel Riley’s First Marriage Before Pasha Kovalev
Before marrying Pasha Kovalev, Rachel Riley was married to Jamie Gilbert. The pair met while studying at the prestigious University of Oxford, where Riley earned a degree in mathematics.
After several years together, Rachel and Jamie married in August 2012. At the time, many believed the couple would enjoy a long and happy marriage. However, their relationship eventually faced challenges, and they separated in 2013.
The breakdown of the marriage occurred around the same period that Rachel was participating in Strictly Come Dancing. Although media speculation surrounded the circumstances of the split, Rachel has consistently maintained that her relationship with Pasha developed only after her marriage had effectively ended.
Following the divorce, Riley moved forward with her life and eventually found lasting happiness with Kovalev.
When Did Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Get Married?
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev officially married on June 28, 2019. The couple surprised many fans by choosing a private wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Unlike many celebrity weddings that attract extensive publicity, Rachel and Pasha opted for a low-key celebration. News of the marriage only became public after the ceremony had taken place, when the couple shared photos and announcements on social media.
At the time of their wedding, Rachel was pregnant with their first child, making the occasion even more meaningful for the couple. Fans and fellow celebrities quickly flooded social media with congratulatory messages after learning of the surprise wedding.
Their decision to keep the ceremony intimate reflected the couple’s preference for maintaining a relatively private personal life despite their public careers.
Family Life and Children
One of the most significant milestones in Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev’s relationship has been becoming parents.
In December 2019, Rachel gave birth to their first daughter, Maven Aria Riley Kovaleva. The arrival of their daughter marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple as they embraced family life together.
The family grew again in November 2021 when Rachel and Pasha welcomed their second daughter. Since then, the couple has occasionally shared glimpses of family life through interviews and social media posts.
Despite their public profiles, Rachel and Pasha have generally chosen to keep their children away from the spotlight. They prefer to protect their daughters’ privacy while still sharing occasional moments of joy and family milestones with fans.
Parenthood has become an important part of their lives, and both have spoken positively about the challenges and rewards of raising young children.
Who Is Pasha Kovalev?
Pasha Kovalev was born in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia, and began dancing at a very young age. His dedication to ballroom and Latin dance led him to compete internationally, where he earned recognition for his skill and professionalism.
Before joining Strictly Come Dancing, Kovalev built an impressive competitive dance résumé. His talent eventually opened doors in television, allowing him to showcase his abilities to a wider audience.
During his years on Strictly Come Dancing, Pasha partnered with numerous celebrities and consistently achieved strong results. His popularity with viewers made him one of the show’s standout professionals.
In 2019, after nearly a decade on the program, Kovalev announced his departure from Strictly Come Dancing to pursue new opportunities and spend more time with his family.
Today, he remains involved in entertainment projects while focusing on family life with Rachel Riley and their children.
Why Fans Love Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev as a Couple
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev have earned admiration from fans because their relationship appears genuine, supportive, and free from the drama often associated with celebrity romances.
Throughout their years together, they have demonstrated a strong partnership based on mutual respect. Whether attending public events, sharing family updates, or supporting each other’s careers, the couple consistently presents a united front.
Fans appreciate their down-to-earth approach to fame and their commitment to maintaining a stable family life despite their high-profile careers.
Their story also resonates because it began in an unexpected setting. What started as a dance partnership transformed into a successful marriage, creating one of the most memorable love stories associated with Strictly Come Dancing.
Are Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Still Together in 2026?
Yes, Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev are still together and remain happily married in 2026.
More than a decade after first meeting on Strictly Come Dancing, the couple continues to enjoy a strong relationship. They are raising their two daughters together and frequently appear supportive of one another in both their personal and professional lives.
There have been no credible reports suggesting any separation or marital difficulties. Instead, public appearances and social media updates indicate that their marriage remains stable and happy.
Their enduring relationship has become a notable example of a successful celebrity marriage in the entertainment industry.
Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Relationship Timeline
2013
- Rachel Riley joins Strictly Come Dancing.
- Meets professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.
- The pair become dance partners.
2014
- Reports emerge that Rachel and Pasha are dating.
2019
- The couple secretly marries in Las Vegas.
- They welcome their first daughter, Maven.
2021
- Rachel and Pasha welcome their second daughter.
2022–2026
- Continue their marriage and family life while balancing successful careers.
Interesting Facts About Rachel Riley’s Husband
He Was a Professional Dance Champion
Before television fame, Pasha competed at a high level in international ballroom and Latin dance competitions.
He Became a Strictly Fan Favorite
Many viewers considered him one of the most talented and likable professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
He Left Strictly in 2019
After eight years on the show, Pasha decided to leave to focus on other projects and family commitments.
He Shares a Love of Privacy
Like Rachel, he prefers keeping much of his personal life away from constant media attention.
He Is a Devoted Family Man
Since becoming a father, Pasha has frequently spoken about the importance of family and spending time with his children.
FAQs
Who is Rachel Riley’s husband?
Rachel Riley is married to Pasha Kovalev, a former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.
When did Rachel Riley get married?
She married Pasha Kovalev on June 28, 2019, in Las Vegas.
How did Rachel Riley meet her husband?
They met in 2013 while partnered on Strictly Come Dancing.
Do Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev have children?
Yes, they have two daughters together.
Was Rachel Riley married before?
Yes, she was previously married to Jamie Gilbert.
Are Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev still together?
Yes, they remain happily married as of 2026.
Final Thoughts
Rachel Riley husband, Pasha Kovalev, is far more than a former Strictly Come Dancing professional. He is an accomplished dancer, devoted husband, and loving father who has built a lasting relationship with one of Britain’s most popular television personalities.
Their journey from dance partners to husband and wife remains one of the most successful romances to emerge from reality television. After meeting on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, the couple built a strong foundation that led to marriage, parenthood, and a happy family life. As of 2026, Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev continue to enjoy a stable and loving relationship, making them one of the UK’s most admired celebrity couples.
