TV

Strictly stars being lined up to appear in their own reality show

"Several production companies" in talks

The chemistry between Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff when they were on Strictly was electrifying – and viewers could soon get the chance to see what they’re like as a couple away from the dancefloor, too.

According to The Mirror, the pair are being lined up to appear in their very own reality show, which will follow their daily lives with their young daughter Milena.

England rugby star Ben, 39, became romantically involved with Russian dancer Kristina, 40, after they were teamed together in the 2013 series of Strictly. Ben was married with twin daughters at the time.

But the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ doesn’t seem to have done him and Kristina any harm, and the couple could soon be in for a lucrative TV deal.

Kristina, who no longer dances on the BBC show, told the newspaper that she was approached to do a programme with Ben last year, but the time wasn’t right.

“We were asked to do one but I was pregnant,” she said. “Several production companies were in talks, but there was a lot happening.

“In my heart and soul, I’m a dancer. To open the doors on our private life, it has to be a very good contract.”

Exactly what format the show would take has yet to be revealed, but no doubt viewers will be hoping to see some wedding arrangements in the near future.

Read more: Former Strictly star hits out at same-sex couples on the show

Earlier this year, Ben revealed that the couple do intend to take the plunge at some stage, although he didn’t specify when.

“I imagine we will get married at some point,” he told The Sun.

“Having a baby later on in life, we were both very set in our ways, so it has been a big change for both of us.”

One thing’s for sure: if the reality show does go ahead, Kristina – who celebrated her 40th birthday with friends at a London nightclub on Saturday – will cherish every moment with Milena.

Next year, she’s heading out on a nationwide dancing tour that’ll keep her away from home for a month and a half.

And in an interview with The Mirror today, she admitted that she hates being apart from the 14-month-old.

It’ll be the first time she’s been away from her daughter since she gave birth in July 2016.

And she said: “I’m so excited to go on tour, but leaving Mila is going to be really hard.

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“I’ve never been away from her for so long, but Ben will be looking after her while I’m away, and my parents will help out too.”

It sounds like she’ll Strictly be in safe hands…


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor