Kristina: I want to have a 2nd baby with Ben

Dancer plans to wed, but tour is first

KRISTINA Rihanoff says she wants to marry Strictly lover Ben Cohen – so they can have baby number two.

The Russian dancer already has daughter Mila with the rugby ace who partnered her on the show.

Now as Kristina, 40, prepares for a twomonth tour, she told how Ben will look after the 16-month-old when she is away.

She said: “Ben’s an incredible dad. I’m very lucky he’s on board with my project.”

Ben also has twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, nine, by ex-wife Abby.

Kristina said: “It’s a lot of pressure on him to look after the kids but he’s very supportive of me. Marriage and another baby is some time in the future – we both like to take it one step at a time.

“We’re Virgos, we focus on one thing and execute it in the best possible way.”

Kristina took 14 months off after

Mila was born but is now preparing her first self-created show, Dance To The Music, which kicks off on January 10.

But she admits leaving her little girl at home while she tours will be a struggle. “The hardest thing will be being away from my family,” she said. “When not on stage and occupied, Mila is all I think about.

“Other mums have to go out and work so I’m no different. I’m very lucky to be able to have so much time off and spend the time with Mila. I want to create some legacy and hopefully something Mila will be proud of when she’s older.”

Kristina says advice from Ruth Langsford – now competing on Strictly – helped her through the worries. She said: “When I’m away I feel so bad. The best advice I got was from Ruth on Loose Women. She said, ‘I know what you’re going through. I was the same with my son Jack.

“‘Just remember, babies will hardly even remember the early years. You can drive yourself insane but at the end of the day you are providing for your family.’

“She was so right. I choked a bit, I needed to hear that.”

Kristina, who has danced since childhood, admits she was racked with selfdoubt after becoming a mum. She said: “I felt insecure and was worried I’d never get back to dancing. I thought my body wouldn’t cut it after having a child.

“I’ve got a different perspective now. Being a dancer, you’re quite selfish.”

Kristina will take to the stage alongside former Strictly dancer Robin Windsor and X Factor singer Chris Maloney.

She revealed: “I wanted a show just like Strictly, appealing to every generation.

“We have the evolution of dance from the 20s to modern day. It’s got everything from the Charleston to break dancing.”

Kristina has been critical of the show since leaving last year, calling it “gimmicky”. She said: “I feel the balance has gone, it’s like a Vegas show now.

“Their focus is on the razzmatazz for every single dance. That simplicity has gone. It’s like it’s Halloween every week.”

But she says she is now looking forward to visiting Christmas markets, joined by Ben’s girls. She said: “They are incredible sisters to Mila – and she adores them.”

Dance To The Music starts January 10 in Guildford, Surrey. dancetothemusictour.com.

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KIDS Kristina and Ben