Strictly's Kristina Rihanoff 'splits from Ben Cohen' after 12 years together
Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff met rugby player Ben Cohen while competing on the BBC show
Kristina Rihanoff and rugby union player Ben Cohen have reportedly ended their relationship, over a decade after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing. The pair sparked a romance during the 2013 series of the BBC show, where Ben, who was then married to Abby Cohen, danced with professional partner Kristina.
The Russian dancer, aged 47, and 46-year-old rugby ace Ben faced the so-called Strictly curse, becoming a couple following Ben's separation from his wife. They went on to have a daughter, Mila, in 2016.
Sources close to the couple spoke to The Sun about the breakup: "It's like the curse in reverse. This will be like karma for Abby, she was so upset when Ben left her. It's like he has got his comeuppance."
They pair recently put their £1.75 million Northampton home on the market and Ben has stepped down as a director from their shared yoga venture. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter
A friend told The Sun: "The past six months have been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have chosen to go forward as separate individuals."
Representatives for Kristina and Ben have been contacted by The Mirror for a statement.
Ben's rugby career spanned from 2000 until 2006, playing for Northampton, Brive, Sale Sharks, and England. He retired from the sport in 2011 and has since appeared on shows like The Jump, The Celebrity Chase, and The Real Full Monty.
Kristina became a household name in 2008 when she joined Strictly Come Dancing, participating in eight series until her departure in 2015, and later appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2016.
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