Proshchal'nyy Privet, Pashpot!

Professional dancer Pasha Kovalev has announced that he will not be returning to Strictly this year, after eight years on the show.

He announced the news on Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/Wj6bMfMVPv

— Pasha Kovalev (@PashaKovalev) February 13, 2019

Having been a champion with Caroline Flack, he probably feels that he has nothing else to achieve, and can move on from the show without leaving behind any unfinished business.

Pasha is definitely one of the most professional dancers, rarely speaking about his personal life (he has been with former Strictly partner Rachel Riley since 2014), and rarely seen in the tabloids. His focus has always been making his celebrity partner look good, and has been a gentleman with all his partners of varying abilities.

Farewell, Pashpot. We'll miss you and your Russian spy polo neck sweaters.