Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen Split After 12 Years Together

Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen Split After 12 Years Together.

Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen have reportedly ended their relationship after 12 years together. The former Strictly Come Dancing stars, who were once at the center of the infamous Strictly curse, have parted ways amid financial difficulties.

Their breakup is making headlines, especially considering how their relationship began—when Ben left his wife, Abby, for Kristina in 2013.

The Infamous Strictly Curse and Controversial Beginning

Ben Cohen, the 46-year-old former England rugby star, and Kristina Rihanoff, the 47-year-old professional dancer, met on Strictly in 2013. Their relationship was the product of what is now known as the Strictly curse, which often sees contestants or professional dancers developing romantic relationships during the show.

At the time, Ben was married to Abby, his wife of 13 years. Ben’s decision to leave Abby for Kristina caused a public uproar, with many accusing him of betrayal. Abby, understandably heartbroken, spoke out about the pain of losing her husband, whom she described as being “completely loyal” before their split.

Despite the criticism, Ben and Kristina continued their relationship and welcomed a daughter, Milena, in 2016. However, their bond has now come to an end, largely due to financial problems.

Financial Struggles and Their Impact

Friends of the couple revealed to The Sun that Ben and Kristina’s breakup was driven by severe financial difficulties, including struggling businesses and mounting debts. In 2020, the pandemic hit their fitness business, Soo Yoga, particularly hard. Their £1.75 million home in Northamptonshire was put on the market in October 2024, signaling trouble in their relationship.

Ben himself admitted to court that he was struggling with debt, having “credit cards overdrawn” and fighting to keep his relationship and home intact. These financial pressures took a toll on their personal lives, leading to their split.

Abby’s Pain and Public Betrayal

Abby, who had been with Ben since they were teenagers, described the pain of watching her marriage dissolve on public display. She claimed that Ben had “done the dirty” on her, recalling the emotional trauma she endured when he left her for Kristina.

At the time, Abby shared with the press that her marriage breakdown was the “most traumatic thing” to ever happen to her. She also spoke about the difficulties of adjusting to life after the split, including the heartbreak of being separated from their twin daughters, who spent time with Ben after the divorce.

Despite the public scandal, Abby managed to rebuild her life. She turned to photography, which started as a hobby and became a successful business. As Abby began to heal, she realized that she had to move on and accept that Ben had made his choice.

The “Karma” Moment: A Split After 12 Years

Kristina and Ben’s breakup, after over a decade together, is now being seen by some as “karma” for Abby. A close friend of Abby’s said, “Ben left Abby for Kristina, only to now split with her. 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.”

While Abby has found happiness with her new partner, David Warner, she reflects on how her life has changed for the better since her marriage ended. She previously expressed that if she could survive her heartbreak, anyone could.

Business Struggles and Legal Issues

Ben and Kristina’s financial troubles were not just limited to their home. Their yoga studio business also faced challenges. Kristina was caught driving without insurance in 2024, leading to further complications in their already fragile financial situation.

They attempted to salvage their finances by selling their home, but Ben admitted that the business’s financial strain, which began during the pandemic, put immense pressure on their relationship. Despite these challenges, the couple continued to appear in public together, most recently attending a black-tie event with Ben’s two daughters from his marriage to Abby.

Kristina hasn’t shared a photo with Ben since last August, and it seems their once strong relationship has been strained beyond repair.

Despite the turmoil, Ben and Kristina previously discussed plans for a secret wedding. In February 2024, Ben confirmed that while they were engaged, the couple had postponed their wedding.

He explained that with their financial situation and global crises like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided to focus on stabilizing their business first before planning their future together.

But now, with the couple’s split, it seems that Ben and Kristina’s marriage plans will remain on hold, leaving many to wonder if they’ll ever reconcile or simply move on for good.