Rachel Riley, the presenter known for her role on Channel 4’s Countdown, has spoken candidly about balancing her professional commitments with motherhood during the busy summer months. The 40-year-old, who is married to former Strictly Come Dancing professional Pasha Kovalev, revealed that managing her work schedule alongside raising their two daughters, Maven, six, and Noa, four, involves a practical approach focused on flexibility rather than perfection.
Riley and Kovalev, 46, who met during the 2013 Strictly series and married six years later, face additional challenges this year as Kovalev prepares to join a touring dance show titled The Legends In Vegas: After Hours. The production features several well-known former Strictly dancers, including Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Vincent Simone, and Ian Waite. Riley noted that coordinating their diaries is a constant challenge as they try to share family responsibilities despite Kovalev’s upcoming tour.
Discussing parenthood, Riley emphasized that there is often more societal pressure placed on mothers to be present constantly, stating, “They don’t need both [parents] around all the time either.” She added, “If your kids are happy then it doesn’t really matter,” underscoring the importance of keeping the children’s well-being a priority amid busy schedules.
Despite the demanding lifestyle, the couple strives to find family moments whenever possible. Riley recounted recent outings with their children, including a visit to see the musical Matilda, followed by a brief period of relaxation at a mobile beach attraction where the children played in the sand. These small interludes provide the family with a chance to connect amid their hectic routines.
Noa, the younger daughter, is set to start school soon, following in the footsteps of her older sister. Riley expressed excitement about this milestone, noting that Noa has been attending nursery and already shows enthusiasm for learning and reading. While Riley herself has a background in applied mathematics from Oxford University and succeeded Carol Vorderman as Countdown’s maths expert, she is careful not to impose academic expectations on her children. She said her priority is that her children feel confident with maths rather than excel under pressure.
Riley also addressed how her television career influences her children, remarking that the girls see it as a normal part of life and are more excited about attending their father’s live performances. Looking ahead to the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing season, set to return in September with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe, and Johannes Radebe, Riley acknowledged that the family will likely have limited opportunities to watch the show together. Kovalev’s tour commitments mean he will be away, leaving Riley to manage bedtime routines alone during the program’s broadcast.
In addition to her work in television and parenting, Riley is currently supporting a safety campaign aimed at reducing battery ingestion hazards in homes. Partnering with Energizer, she is promoting the Summer Safety Swap initiative, which encourages families to replace old lithium coin batteries with Energizer’s Ultimate Child Shield batteries. These batteries are designed to prevent ingestion burns if swallowed, addressing a safety concern for young children.
Through her various roles, Riley continues to navigate the complexities of public life and family, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and prioritizing her children’s happiness.