New mum Kristina Rihanoff has taken to Twitter to thank fans and friends for their kind words following the arrival of her baby girl. The former Strictly Come Dancing star shared a post on Friday that read: "Thank you very much everyone for the lovely messages!!" along with a smiling emoji and three baby bottles.
Kristina, 38, and her partner Ben Cohen, 37, announced the arrival of their daughter exclusively to HELLO! magazine earlier this week. "Ben and Kristina are delighted to confirm they are the parents of a beautiful baby girl," their statement read. "They would like to thank friends and family for all their kind wishes at this happy time."
Kristina Rihanoff has taken to Twitter to thank fans for their messages
Following the announcement, the couple were inundated with messages of congratulations – including some sweet tweets from Kristina's former Strictly co-stars Karen Clifton and Janette Manrara.
"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."
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 ??."
The baby girl is Kristina and Ben's first child together
The little girl is the first child for Kristina, and the third for Ben, who has twin daughters from his previous marriage.
The happy couple went public with their relationship in July 2014, having first met when they were paired together on Strictly in 2013.
Kristina announced her pregnancy at the start of the year
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."