Pasha Kovalev is saying goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing with one last two-step on telly this weekend, and fans aren't going to want to miss it!
Earlier this week, the long-time Strictly pro — who finished as runner-up with Ashley Roberts last season — announced his retirement from the BBC dance competition "after eight incredible series".
But he's not hanging up his dancing shoes quite yet. In fact, Pasha will be reuniting with his fellow Strictly Come Dancing pros one last time — on telly at least — for this weekend's Greatest Dancer semi-final.
The Strictly pros will also be joined on stage for this performance by The Greatest Dancer dance captains Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Oti Mabuse (so hopefully Cheryl keeps up with the footwork).
As mentioned, this is expected to be Pasha's last TV performance with the other Strictly dancers but fans can still see him on the Strictly Come Dancing Pro Tour beginning in May.
When he announced his departure from the show this week, Pasha explained that he was ready for a "new challenge" after reaching four finals and winning a Glitterball with Caroline Flack.
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"I've had 8 fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is," he tweeted.
"My 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 all on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come."
In the wake of his departure, Strictly Come Dancing has had to publicly address rumours that there could be further departures from the professional ranks before the new series.
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One, while The Greatest Dancer continues on Saturday (February 16) at 7.35pm.
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Justin is a freelance entertainment journalist and writer. He first joined Digital Spy as a freelance entertainment reporter in 2010 and also worked as a sub-editor for the brand, serving as Night News Editor from 2016 to 2024. Over more than a decade, Justin has covered numerous major entertainment events from the US and has interviewed a wide-ranging group of public figures, from comedian Steve Coogan to icons from the Star Trek universe, cast members from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and reality stars from numerous Real Housewives cities and the Below Deck franchise. Justin has also been on the ground to cover major pop culture events like the Star Wars Celebration and the D23 Expo. He's written for titles across the Hearst network, plus the likes of CBR and Us Weekly.
