Kristina Rihanoff: ‘After an abusive childhood, being a mum has changed my life’

Kristina Rihanoff

by Deborah Fraser |
Published on

In this week's Closer Magazine, former Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff opens up about how having a baby has helped her deal with her traumatic past - and why she never wanted to be famous

We watched Kristina Rihanoff on Strictly Come Dancing for eight years but in a candid interview with Closer Magazine, the mum-of-one has opened up about her traumatic childhood, growing up and how being a mum has helped her deal with her demons from the past.

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During her time in Strictly the professional dancer had relationships with her former partners, she dated Joe Calzaghe and is now in a relationship with her boyfriend and former rugby star Ben Cohen. The happy couple started dating back in 2013 and last year they welcomed their first child together into the world - Milena.

Kristina and Ben have been together since 2013 (Credit: Getty Images)

Now, Kristina has opened up to Closer about childhood and traumatic past. She explained: "My parents were often violent towards each other, always arguing and being verbally aggressive.

"From the age of 10, I saw my mum being very unhappy in her relationship and it drove me away from home and towards dance school."

Kristina Rihanoff Mila
Kristina revealed that being a mum to Milena changed her life (Credit: Instagram / krihanoff ©Instagram / krihanoff

She went on to say: "I was that child who felt no one really cared what happened to me, and was ashamed to tell anyone what was happening at home."

The 39-year-old mum also opened up about her decision to leave the BBC One dance show and how having a family has changed her life.

Read the full interview in this week's Closer Magazine – on sale NOW!

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