Strictly curse returns: Rugby star splits from wife days after being seen with Kristina Rihanoff

Former rugby player Ben Cohen has announced he has split from his wife saying that no one was involved in his decision to move on.

17:40 18 September 2014

Former rugby star Ben Cohen, who competed on Strictly Come Dancing last year with Kristina Rihanoff, has announced he has split from his wife days after being seen with fellow Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff.

 

The 36-year-old follows other celebs including Rachel Riley and Susanna Reid who both split from long term partners after participating on the show which is famed for its affairs. 

 

In a statement, however, Ben denied that Kristina was involved in his decision to move on from wife Abby. 

 

A spokesman for the couple said: “Ben and Abby Cohen have agreed to take time apart to deal with some marital issues but remain fully committed to the welfare of their children. There is no third party involved, and Ben and Abby now ask that their privacy and that of their family be respected at this difficult time.”

 

In October, Ben told how his wife caught him twerking with Kristina. 

 

He said: “Partners have to be very understanding. I had a moment in training when Abby walked in.”

 

Gyrating his hips, he added: “I was doing this to the back end of Kristina. It was a bit awkward and my wife said: ‘I think I’ll come back in a minute’.

 

“It can be a bit challenging sometimes but she is a good girl and understands the spirit of the show.”