Amanda Holden almost fell for Strictly curse in ‘intimate’ Pasha Kovalev moment

Amanda Holden almost fell for the Strictly ‘curse’ (Image: PA MEDIA ) Amanda Holden seemingly almost fell victim to the infamous Strictly ‘curse’ with Pasha Kovalev, as she “felt that feeling”. The Heart radio presenter and the Russian dance champion took to the floor in a passionate routine for Amanda’s new show, Sex: A Bonkers History. The pair performed The Volta – a Tudor dance which was considered scandalous during that period. Pasha is a former Strictly Come Dancing professional who left the series in 2018. Speaking to The Sun , Amanda detailed her “weird” moment with Pasha during the docuseries, recalling: “You weren’t even allowed to hold hands and then being allowed to be that intimate, it was weird having that moment with Pasha. Pasha Kovalev and Rachel Riley met on Strictly (Image: GETTY IMAGES) “I felt the feeling just in that afternoon, so I can’t imagine how people felt touching like that centuries ago. But Pasha, he was so patient. “It really took me ages to learn that step, hop and kick.” Pasha is married to Countdown hostess and maths graduate Rachel Riley . The couple met on Strictly Come Dancing when they were partnered together, but Rachel was already married at the time. Amanda Holden dancing with Pasha (Image: INSTAGRAM) After her divorce in 2013, Pasha and Rachel began dating and were married in Las Vegas in 2019. Later that year, Rachel gave birth to a baby girl. She then welcomed their second daughter in 2021. Every year, there is speculation surrounding which Strictly stars have fallen for their partners. This has been known the so-called ‘Strictly curse’, which refers to the idea that participating in Strictly – as a celebrity or a professional – threatens the status of the relationship you’re in when you sign up. Last year, celebrities Tyler West and Molly Rainford formed a blossoming romance after competing on the series. Despite not being partnered together, the pair began dating earlier this year and confirmed their relationship in March. Meanwhile, John Whaite admitted that he “fell in love”  with pro dancer Johannes Radebe. The pair danced their way to the final two in 2021. Sex: A Bonkers History is available on Sky HISTORY from Monday, 18 September.