Kristina Rihanoff’s dance partner Robin Windsor has defended her against claims she broke up Ben Cohen’s marriage.
The 37-year-old beauty has been romantically linked to the 36-year-old rugby ace, who split from his wife after he was paired with Kristina on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2013, but her fellow professional has hit back at the dancer’s critics.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Sometimes Kristina gets close to her dance partners. But the finger is always pointed at the woman, ironic considering Kristina’s the one who’s single and carefree. She can do what she wants."
Both Kristina, who recently took part in the dance show ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ with Robin, and Ben have denied a romance.
Indeed Kristina – who previously dated her 2009 ‘Strictly’ partner Joe Calzaghe and reportedly had an affair with fellow professional Vincent Simone – revealed she considered suicide over claims she and Ben had an affair.
She also admitted that quitting BBC One show was something she seriously thought about.
Ben and Kristina have never denied a close friendship but both insist that the blonde beauty was not responsible for the breakdown of his marriage to Abby, the mother of his two children.
While Abby has not commented publicly, her estranged mother Felicity Bassouls blamed Kristina.
Felicity – who Ben filed charges of harassment against after she allegedly bombarded him with emails and calls as his marriage to her daughter broke down – said of the reports of an affair: "I don’t know why Kristina doesn’t go back to Russia and leave us all alone. I can’t stand the sight of that woman. All this has killed a family."
Kristina Rihanoff defended by dance partner
