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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Vicki Newman

Rachel Riley PREGNANT with first child with Strictly's Pasha Kovalev

Rachel Riley has announced some exciting baby news.

The Countdown presenter is pregnant with her first child with Pasha Kovalev.

She announced the news on Instagram by posing up holding her bump.

Rachel, 33, stands next to the Countdown letters board with "RTINYMATE" spelled out on it.

That's an anagram of 'MATERNITY' and can also be read as 'R TINY MATE'.

She said: "Pash and I have a conundrum for you...you have till December to work it out!

"We’re over the moon excited"

Rachel beams a huge smile as she poses up for the adorable picture in a patterned yellow dress.

Her fans rushed to offer their congratulations.

"Congrats to you both," one commented.

Another said: "I've an 8 letter word 'CONGRATS'"

Congratulations! (Getty Images Europe)

"Excellent way to announce," another gushed.

Rachel and Pasha met when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

The pair made things official in 2014, after she left the show and have been going strong ever since.

Rachel joined the cast of Countdown in 2009, when she was brought in to replace Carol Vorderman.

The maths whizz also stars on the show's comedy spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, which is hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr.

Earlier this year, professional dancer Pasha announced he was quitting Strictly after eight years on the BBC show.

The news was broken to fans in February by the Strictly Twitter account.

Rachel and Pasha dances together in 2013 (PA)

They said: "Sadly after eight incredible series, the brilliant @PashaKovalev has decided to leave #Strictly.

"Pasha, from all of us, thank you for your amazing choreography and routines over the years. You’ll be sorely missed! "

Sharing a picture of him holding the glitterball trophy with Love Island host Caroline, they added: "Pasha is an incredibly talented and dedicated dancer who is much loved by his Strictly family and viewers and will be hugely missed.

"Since joining the show in 2011, he has competed in eight series, made it to four finals and was crowned champion with Caroline Flack in 2014.

"We would like to thank him for everything he has contributed to the show over the years and wish him the very best for the future."

They've been official since 2014 (Instagram)

Sharing his own statement, the dancer said: "After scoring 93 perfect tens, reaching 4 finals and lifting 1 glitter ball, it's time for me to find a new challenge and so I've decided to make last year - my final season on Strictly.

"I've had 8 fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.

"The biggest thanks goes to all the members of the public who've supported me so much over these years - I look forward to seeing you on the Strictly Pro-Tour this spring, and for many future adventures to come!"

His fans were devastated.

One said: "Oh, I'll be sorry to see you go, you've been such a big part of Strictly for me - yours was the first tour I ever went to (which started me on a rocky road to addiction ) I will miss you, Pasha, but wish you all the very best in your future dance adventures !"

Another told him: "Pasha we will miss you so much, you've been absolutely amazing!! Good luck for the future, can't wait to see what you have in store"

While one said: "You will be a massive miss Pasha but wishing you the very best of luck for what the future holds for you "

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