Pasha Kovalev

This year will be Pasha's second series on Strictly. He's been a fan of the programme for a while, saying "Strictly is an amazing show to be part of and I've wanted to be on it for quite some time." Dancing on Strictly has enabled Pasha to move to the capital.

In 2011 Pasha teamed up with Chelsee Healey. They danced their way to the finals but lost out to Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani on the last round.

Pasha started dancing when he was just eight years old after his mum took him to one of the biggest ballroom dancing competitions in his area. Dancing wasn't a career choice for Pasha in the beginning, but that changed when he realised that it was something he "can't live without".

Most of his achievements have come in America, where he has been a US National Latin Finalist, and an Ohio Star Ball Finalist.

Pasha has taught all styles of Ballroom including International Standard, American Smooth and Rhythm, but his specialty is International Latin.

Trivia

Apart from dancing, Pasha loves to read, watch good films, travel, sample great food and relax with computer games.

His professional partner is former Strictly dancer, Katya Virshilas.

Pasha was a finalist on the American version of So You Think You Can Dance in 2003, as well as appearing on Burn the Floor on Broadway and in the West End.