She was dubbed another victim of the 'Strictly curse' when her marriage to Jamie Gilbert ended in 2013, and she ended up dating dance partner Pasha Kovalev.

Yet Rachel Riley has insisted that the dancing show did not contribute to the breakdown of her relationship, but did offer her the 'distance' she needed to end things.

Speaking to Alastair Campbell for GQ magazine, the Countdown presenter, 33, reflected on their split - which occurred after 16 months of marriage.

Space: She was dubbed another victim of the 'Strictly curse' when her marriage to Jamie Gilbert ended in 2013, and Rachel Riley has spoken out on what caused the breakdown

She revealed: 'I'm still friends with my ex-husband. He's great, he's a brilliant guy. We were together since I was 19 and it wasn't right.

'What Strictly did was gave me distance - because I was away from home in Birmingham, Salford, Borehamwood - and it was the emotional distance that I needed to… break away'.

Whilst Rachel ultimately ended up dating her Strictly Come Dancing partner, Pasha, she insisted that their relationship was strictly professional at start.

No time for romance: Whilst Rachel ultimately ended up dating her Strictly Come Dancing partner, Pasha, she insisted that their relationship was strictly professional at start

Asked when she realised her bond with Pasha was 'more than a dance relationship', she said: 'Not for a long time. Because I was married when we did Strictly... You're literally just focused on the dance. you've got from Sunday to Saturday to learn a brand new dance.'

While the pair rarely share details of their romance, Rachel admitted that she wasn't looking for a relationship when she met the ballroom star in an interview with The Sun.

The mathematician divulged: 'I can only speak for myself but if I had seen on paper that I would have ended up with a ballroom dancer from Russia - we didn’t even speak the same language growing up, I liked football and maths - it doesn’t really work.'

Distance: Rachel revealed 'I'm still friends with my ex-husband. He's great, he's a brilliant guy. We were together since I was 19 and it wasn't right. 'What Strictly did was gave me distance'

She continued: 'But I guess it’s about personality and we just found we get on really well and we have a good relationship.'

Rachel went on: 'He didn’t go to uni, we didn’t watch any of the same programmes but were we have our differences...It’s interesting. You don’t need to like the same stuff.'

Out now: See the full feature in the May issue of British GQ

Meanwhile, Pasha revealed earlier this year that the last season of Strictly had been his last, announcing his retirement in February.

Pasha tweeted: '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 eight fantastic years, full of wonderful memories, thanks to the incredible partners, professionals and a myriad of behind the scenes teams who all work to make Strictly the amazing production that it is.

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