From her time on Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina Rihanoff is used to spending hours on the dancefloor, but this year will be different as she has quit the show and is preparing to welcome her first baby. Her pregnancy hasn't stopped the Russian beauty from working up a sweat though. She's set to host a ballroom dance break at Champneys Tring Health Spa in April, for both amateurs and experienced dance enthusiasts alike.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO! Online, Kristina opened up about her pregnancy, her upcoming Champneys weekend and a possible return to Strictly in the future.
"It's an absolutely fantastic time," said Kristina, 38. "I'm not doing any shows but I have been teaching quite a lot, which is nice because as everyone knows it's good to be active. You can't not do anything during pregnancy – you just have to be sensible."
Kristina Rihanoff said of her pregnancy: "It's an absolutely fantastic time"
Kristina will teach guests how to dance over the two-night Champneys break, while also share her top beauty, health and fitness tips.
"The class is for anyone really – those who have never tried dancing before, those that have a bit of experience," said Kristina. "What I want to get across is that dancing is a wonderful way to get in shape, do exercise, learn something new. Have a go, bring your friends, bring your partner and have fun! There aren't many forms of exercise that you can do together as a couple and dancing is one of them so it's totally brilliant!"
"I know Strictly was such a massive show and people love the show, and like to be involved, so this is a bit like a Strictly Come Dancing training," she laughed. "I've had eight wonderful years on Strictly so there will be a big Q&A where people can ask me any questions they like about the show and so on."
The dancer added that she may return to Strictly as a choreographer
On the prospect of returning to the popular BBC dance show, Kristina admitted: "Obviously I can't do Strictly now but it's not the end of the road. I departed on good terms with everyone and you never know, maybe at some point I'll come back, not as a professional dancer but as a choreographer or commentator on the show. There are lots of possibilities and so, who knows? We'll see. We have yet to find out!"
Kristina's Break runs from 22 to 24 April at Champneys Tring – a venue the pro dancer calls a "beautiful, relaxing and wonderful place".
"Everyone loves Tring once they get there," she said. "You have beautiful food, beautiful facilities so it's the perfect place to let yourself go, relax a little bit and perhaps try something new like dancing."