When Ben Cohen and his estranged wife Abby announced their split last September, the pair stated that no third party was involved in the breakdown of their marriage. New reports have claimed that Ben is now in a relationship with his former Strictly dance partner Kristina Rihanoff – and that his wife has filed for divorce.
Ben and Kristina are said to have only just started dating, and decided to go public with their romance last weekend.
The 36-year-old rugby star, who was paired with Kristina in the eleventh series of Strictly, brought his new girlfriend to a family day out last Saturday. Ben's twin daughters were also present at the gathering.
Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen met on Strictly
According to The Mail on Sunday, Ben admitted to his former sweetheart that he and Kristina are official, prompting Abby to file for divorce. The retired athlete insisted, however, that the relationship is "a recent thing" and that he and Kristina weren't romantically involved during his time on Strictly.
Photos of the dancing partners have previously emerged showing Ben with his arm wrapped around Kristina while on the London Underground.
The Russian beauty and the former England rugby union player have not commented on their romance online, but Abby, who is currently holidaying in Egypt with her twin girls, took the time to send Kristina a message on social media.
The retired rugby player and his estranged wife Abby announced their split last year
The doting mum posted a photo on Twitter of a note explaining karma, writing: "@KRihanoff there you go my lovely....."
She also responded to a tweet that former Strictly winner Abbey Clancy had sent, of a photo of the model's newborn daughter Liberty Rose. "@OfficialClancy ahhhh, hold onto it Hun.... Precious family.. Keep it safe and secure as mine totally ruined," wrote Ben's estranged wife.
Ben and Abby announced their split last year. In a statement confirming the news, the couple said they had "agreed to take time apart to deal with some marital issues", adding that they remained "fully committed to the welfare of their children".
New reports claimed that a devastated Abby is now filing for divorce and hoping for a quick solution.