Kristina: I left ‘great dad’ Ben holding baby
FORMER Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff has praised boyfriend Ben Cohen for being a great dad as she goes on her first UK tour leaving him holding the baby.
The Russian dancer – who had her first child, Mila, with Strictly partner and former rugby star Ben in July 2016 – said she wouldn’t be able to do the shows without his support. Kristina, 40, said: “I can’t wish for a better partner in life really because he’s looking after the kids and he’s an absolutely fantastic dad. His mum and all his family are also very supportive and they all help.”
Kristina drives home to Northamptonshire between shows on her Dance to the Music tour to spend as much time as possible with the family. She said it was normal for female dancers like her to have kids later in life but she always wanted to be a mum.
“People want to do as much as they can while they’re young,” she said. “But sometimes it comes to the point where it’s too late.
“For me it happened when, I guess, emotionally and psychologically I was ready for it.” Kristina spent eight years on Strictly and says it became “kind of boring and difficult” – like any job.
“It’s the same thing over and over, it’s nine months out of your life every year. I was ready to go.
“After having Mila I never actually thought I’d get back to dancing at this level.
“I love my craft, I’ve dedicated all my life to it.”