Professional dancer Pasha Kovalev has announced he is quitting Strictly Come Dancing after eight years on the show.
In a message posted to Twitter, the Latin and ballroom dancer wrote: "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."
— Pasha Kovalev (@PashaKovalev) February 13, 2019
The official Strictly Come Dancing Twitter account said he will be "hugely missed".
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! 💕 pic.twitter.com/xtHmPwXGrf
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) February 13, 2019
Kovalev competed in four finals and lifted the glitterball trophy once, when he won with Caroline Flack in 2014.
After the news of his departure was announced, a host of Strictly stars took to social media to express their sadness.
Gonna miss you so much @PashaKovalev an all around gentleman and a fantastic dancer to work with. Love you buddy . 😢 https://t.co/we6L1c35p0
— Karen Clifton (@karen_hauer) February 13, 2019
Pasha, a true gent and beautiful dancer who will be so missed on strictly come dancing!!!! Wishing you all the love and happiness on your next venture!!! 😘❤️ https://t.co/0plAD9J4eP
— Amy Dowden (@dowden_amy) February 13, 2019
Wishing this @bbcstrictly legend @PashaKovalev all the very best for the future ! #Strictly will miss you BIG TIME ! #pasha ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/CwN5miU5aG
— joanne k clifton (@joanneclifton) February 13, 2019
