Countdown star Rachel Riley and her husband, ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, have shared a statement on the current Russian invasion of Ukraine on their Instagram accounts.
The couple, who have been married three years, responded to the ongoing conflict, reposted a statement from Rise Up With The Arts.
The arts project was set up by Pasha and Anya Garnis, his dance partner, to support performers throughout the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The page, run by the Russian dancers, wrote: “The current situation in Ukraine hits too close to home for the both of us as Russian nationals.”
“Our passports may say one thing but our hearts are with our family, friends and everyone still in Ukraine that are fighting for their freedom and lives.”
They went on to explain that their upcoming show “will focus on donating funds” to Save The Children who “help children and young people affected by this terrible conflict”.
The message ended by saying: “Let’s make art, not war,” as they signed off.
Pasha shared it on his personal Instagram account to his 46,000 followers and added his own words: “We will need your support now more than ever. Let’s come together and make a difference through art.”
The 42-year-old’s message was also shared by his wife Rachel Riley, who posted it on both her Instagram and Twitter accounts, and added a love heart.
The couple share two children together, one of whom they welcomed in November last year, and live together in their eclectically decorated home which they showcased on Celebrity Gogglebox back in 2019.
(Image: Instagram)
They have admitted there is slight jealousy from their eldest daughter, which they are “trying to balance” by making her feel like she’s “very special”.
Rachel also commented on Pasha’s parenting skills and said that he “does everything except breastfeeding”.
Pasha and Rachel met when they were partnered together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
She recalled that she “danced with all the other boys” but was paired with Kovalev “because she’s so tall”.
Riley labelled him a “proper Russian gentleman”, which makes a change because she’s much more “used to Essex boys”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
