In a shocking turn of events, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Kristina Rihanoff and ex-England rugby star Ben Cohen have reportedly ended their relationship after 12 years together.
Their romance, which initially made headlines due to the so-called ‘Strictly curse,’ has now taken a dramatic turn, with sources citing financial struggles as the key reason for their split.
The couple, who share an eight-year-old daughter, Melina, had been fighting to save their relationship, but it seems the challenges became too much to bear.
Social Media Clues and Speculation
While the couple maintained a public image of unity, eagle-eyed fans noticed signs of trouble long before the breakup news emerged.
Kristina last posted a picture with Ben in August 2024, while Ben’s final shared moment with Kristina was a throwback from a rugby dinner in November 2023.
Their once-frequent social media interactions had dwindled, leading many to speculate that all was not well in their relationship.
Legal Woes and Financial Struggles
The cracks in their relationship became more apparent when Kristina faced legal trouble for driving without insurance.
Ben, who appeared in court on her behalf, admitted that their financial difficulties were adding pressure to their relationship.
In a heartfelt testimony, he confessed to being overwhelmed with debt and struggling to keep their business and household afloat.
His emotional courtroom statements painted a bleak picture of the couple’s financial troubles, highlighting just how much stress they were under.
Business Struggles and Mounting Debt
Their financial struggles extended beyond personal expenses.
Their fitness and wellness business, Soo Yoga, suffered massive losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With debts piling up and multiple businesses failing to turn a profit, the couple was forced to put their Northamptonshire home, valued at £1.75 million, on the market.
Records also revealed that several of their businesses had outstanding debts and overdue financial filings, signaling deeper financial woes that undoubtedly contributed to their breakup.
Wedding Plans Put on Hold Indefinitely
The couple had initially planned to marry in a secret, intimate ceremony, with their daughter and Ben’s twin daughters from his first marriage as bridesmaids.
However, earlier this year, Ben revealed that they had postponed their wedding due to financial uncertainty.
He emphasized the strain of running a business in today’s economic climate, hinting that their wedding plans would only resume once they had regained financial stability.
This revelation now seems like a telling sign of their impending split.
What’s Next for Kristina and Ben?
As both Kristina and Ben navigate this difficult transition, it remains unclear what the future holds for them individually.
With their business in turmoil and their personal lives in upheaval, they will likely focus on co-parenting their daughter and finding financial stability.
Fans will no doubt be watching closely to see how they move forward from this high-profile breakup.