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Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev reveals he’s quitting the show after 8 years to find a new challenge
STRICTLY Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev has quit the show after eight years.
The dancer, 39, released a statement on social media announcing it was time to find a "new challenge".
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Pasha said: "After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching four finals and lift one 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 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 these years.
"I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly pr-tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come!"
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Caroline Flack wins Strictly Come Dancing
The dancer - who met his partner Rachel Riley when she was his celebrity contestant on the show - will not return to the show next year.
He won the glitter ball trophy with Love Island presenter Caroline Flack in 2014, who today described him as "a true gent".
They scored four "perfect 40s", a feat unmatched in the history of the show at the time.
Pasha has also been matched up with Chelsee Healey, Kimberley Walsh, Carol Kirkwood, Naga Munchetty, Chizzy Akudolu and lastly Ashley Roberts throughout his time on the show.
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Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev dance to Robbie Williams' Angels
He puts his successful teaching style down to "patience, patience, patience".
Pasha has spent the last month on tour with Strictly Come Dancing Live with his celebrity partner Ashley.
Despite the live shows finishing last weekend, the dancer's not turning his back on Strictly for good. Instead the 39-year-old will join his fellow professionals on a 35-date tour of the UK from May 3.
Some have already shared their sadness at his departure, with Kevin Clifton telling him: "@bbcstrictly is going to miss you @PashaKovalev.
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"Congrats on your hugely successful run on the show. More 10’s than anyone!
"Thanks for your constant calm and kindness within the group. Good luck with whatever your next adventure is mate."
Dianne Buswell added: "Pasha !!!!!!! I wish you all the best with everything you do ! You superstar I’ll miss ya loads xx but first we have pro tour."
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Ashley Roberts and Pasha Kovalev perform their show dance at the Strictly Come Dancing grand final
Kicking off at The Lowry Theatre in Salford, Pasha and Strictly favourites Katya Jones, AJ Pritchard, Giovanni Pernice, Oti Mabuse, Dianne Buswell, Karen Clifton, Nadiya Bychkova, Neil Jones and Gorka Marquez will all perform ballroom and Latin routines to audiences up and down the country.
Pasha's girlfriend Rachel - who fronts Countdown on Channel 4 - was married when she met the dancer on Strictly in 2014.
The pair hit it off straight away and the 33-year-old mathematician ended her 15-month marriage to James Gilbert.
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Following news of his departure, a Strictly spokesman said: "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."
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