As Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen enjoy their precious first days with their baby girl, friends and family have been sending messages of congratulations to the new parents. Leading the way were Kristina's former Strictly co-stars, Karen Clifton and Janette Manrara, who both sent sweet tweets to the happy couple.
"HUUUUUUUGE congratulations to @KRihanoff & @RugbyBenCohen on their newest addition to the family!" wrote Janette, who is engaged to fellow Strictly star Aljaz Skorjanec. "So happy for you both! #FamilyIsEverything."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen are the proud parents of a baby girl
Karen, who tied the knot with dancer Kevin Clifton last year, added: "What beautiful news to hear that @KRihanoff N @RugbyBenCohen have welcomed a baby girl. Lots of love from @keviclifton and myself ??."
Erin Boag, who last appeared on Strictly in series 10, also tweeted her congratulations, writing: "Exciting news for @KRihanoff and @RugbyBenCohen. Enjoy this exciting and precious time X."
On Wednesday, Kristina, 38, and Ben, 37, confirmed the arrival of their first child in an exclusive statement to HELLO!, announcing that they had welcomed a "beautiful baby girl".
© Photo: HELLO!Kristina announced her pregnancy at the start of the year
"They would like to thank friends and family for all their kind wishes at this happy time," their statement read.
The little girl is the first child for Kristina and her ex-rugby star partner, who has twin daughters from his previous marriage.
The couple went public with their relationship in July 2014, having first met when they were paired together on Strictly in 2013. Kristina surprised fans with the news of her pregnancy earlier this year, and later opened up to HELLO! about her impending motherhood.
"It was a surprise but obviously I am delighted," she told the magazine. "My mother was with me over Christmas and when we found out she put her arms around me and she cried with joy. It is her lifelong dream for me to have a child and it was lovely to see her so happy."
