Ben Cohen has split from his wife.
The former professional rugby player has announced that he and wife Abby have separated just days after reports emerged that he’d been spotted with his ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ partner from last years’ series, Kristina Rihanoff.
A spokesperson 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."
The couple – who met in 1995 and married in 2003 before having daughters Harriette and Isabelle – deny that Ben has been dating his former dance partner, however.
The spokesman continued: "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."
Despite insisting that Ben and Kristina – who previously dated her former celebrity dance partner Joe Calzaghe – have not become involved romantically, the pair were seen getting close to one another on a London Underground train earlier this year and Ben previously confessed that Strictly had put a strain on his relationship.
He said at the time: "It can be a bit challenging sometimes but she [Abby] is a good girl and understands the spirit of the show."
News of Ben’s split comes shortly after Rachel Riley and her Strictly partner Pasha Kovalev confirmed they were dating after she split from her husband during the 2013 competition.
‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter Susanna Reid also ended her 16-year marriage following her stint on the BBC One show.
Ben Cohen splits from wife
