Rachel Riley makes rare public appearance with Strictly Come Dancing boyfriend Pasha Kovalev at book launch party

Strictly couple: Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev attend book launch party
Rex
Jennifer Ruby21 August 2015
The Weekender

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Rachel Riley was among guests at the launch of the new Self Esteem Team Book, joined by Strictly Come Dancing boyfriend Pasha Kovalev.

The Countdown presenter and her former dance partner, who rarely make public appearances together, posed for pictures at Zigfrid Von Underbelly in Hoxton on Wednesday night.

Riley and Kovalev, who met back in 2013 on the BBC dancing show, were supporting the new book, written by Natasha Devon, Grace Barrett and Nadia Mendoza, with a foreward by Zoella.

The presenter, 29, was married when she appeared on the show two years ago, but announced her split from husband Jamie Gilbert shortly afterwards.

Support: Rachel Riley shows her support for The Self Esteem Book 
Rex

Insisting that the break-up had nothing to do with her closeness to her dance partner, the pair didn’t officially start dating until September 2014.

Speaking recently about their relationship, Kovalev told The Express: “We travel together and take a break together when we have a chance.

“She's very busy and I'm very busy so we're enjoying that little time we can get together as much as we can.”

The Russian dancer is gearing up for this year’s series of the show, which is set to kick off later this year.

BBC producers are currently in the process of announcing the 2015 line-up, with one star being revealed every day.

Contestants revealed thus far include Jeremy Vine, Kellie Bright and Peter Andre.

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