Pasha Kovalev reportedly decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing, because his girlfriend Rachel Riley believed he was ‘underpaid’, and feared the ‘Strictly curse.’
The pro dancer confirmed his departure from the show this week, after performing on Strictly for eight years.
A source told the Sun: “Rachel is adamant Pasha is being paid far less than his hours deserve.”
“Strictly has a particularly gruelling schedule and when you weigh that up against his pay packet, she feels it’s not worth it.”
“Pasha isn’t one of the more unionist dancers who push back at producers when they’re working 18 hour days. He just sees it as part of the job.”
Pasha met his beau Rachel during the 2013 series of the show, and the couple sparked up a romance a year later.
In November 2018, Rachel admitted that it was difficult to watch Pasha dance with other women, and the ‘Strictly curse’ made her worry.
She said: “It’s left its mark. It just makes me feel nervous, so I make myself busy when it’s on. I leave Pasha to it.”
— Pasha Kovalev (@PashaKovalev) February 13, 2019
Confirming his departure from the show, Pasha said, “After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching 4 finals and lifting 1 glitter ball, 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 a myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.”
“The biggest thanks go to all the members of the public who’ve supported me so much over the years – I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many more adventures to come.”
