Rachel Riley Criticizes Strictly Come Dancing with Firm ‘No’
Rachel Riley, known for her role on Countdown, has reflected on her experience in the eleventh series of Strictly Come Dancing, which aired in 2013. Paired with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, she was eliminated as the fifth contestant in the competition. The series was ultimately won by Abbey Clancy, who danced with Aljaž Škorjanec, defeating Susanna Reid and Kevin Clifton in the final.
After her participation in Strictly, Rachel and Pasha developed a romantic relationship that led to their marriage in June 2019. The couple now shares two daughters, Maven and Noa. Despite their success, Rachel has openly evaluated her dancing skills, admitting in a recent podcast that she never truly learned to dance during her time on the show.
Rachel Riley’s Straightforward Take on Dancing
During an appearance on the Shoot Your Shot podcast, Rachel stated, “Absolutely not,” when asked if she mastered dancing. She described her experience as more about holding on than learning. She pursued the opportunity to learn a new skill and has enjoyed dancing recreationally with Pasha in various locations, including Cannes and LA.
Behind the Scenes of Strictly Come Dancing
Rachel provided insights into the demanding schedule she faced while on Strictly. Balancing commitments between her home in Essex, filming for Countdown in Manchester, and hosting duties for The Gadget Show in Birmingham was challenging. She noted the packed week that included rehearsals and promotional activities, which left little time for genuine skill development.
Countdown Career
Since joining Countdown in 2009, Rachel has established herself as a central figure, following in the footsteps of Carol Vorderman. She has described this role as the “only cool maths job around,” expressing pride in being part of the show shortly after her graduation from the University of Oxford.
Pasha Kovalev’s Departure from Strictly
Pasha’s final participation in Strictly came in 2018 when he reached the finale with Ashley Roberts. In an interview with Heat magazine, he reflected on his departure, stating it felt like the right time to move on. He shared that saying goodbye to each contestant was challenging and emotionally taxing.
- Participation in Strictly Come Dancing: Eleventh series, 2013
- Partner: Pasha Kovalev
- Elimination position: Fifth contestant
- Winner: Abbey Clancy
- Marriage: June 2019
- Children: Two daughters, Maven and Noa
Rachel Riley’s candid reflections on Strictly Come Dancing highlight the challenges and joys of her journey in the world of dance and television. Her strong presence on Countdown continues to resonate with audiences, reinforcing her status as a beloved television personality.
