Kristina Rihanoff has admitted she starved herself on Strictly because she felt “inadequate and fat”.
The 46-year-old professional dancer, who competed in the BBC competition from 2008 to 2015, has spoken openly about her own struggles with body image and her fears for her seven-year-old daughter, who is growing up under the pressure of social media.
In a new interview Thursday, Kristina talked about how the show “causes certain feelings” because she “didn’t feel good mentally, physically or emotionally” when she took part in it.
Kristina shares a daughter, Mila, with her fiance Ben Cohen and explained how the child refused to eat crisps because she was afraid of gaining weight.
Speaking to The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine, she said: “As a mum it’s an endless worry. “There’s so much on social media. She is too young to be on Instagram and I know what she will experience online. But she’s part of the digital generation, so it’s inevitable.”
Terrible: Kristina Rihanoff, 46, admitted she felt ‘inadequate and fat’ during her time on Strictly Come Dancing as she battled insecurities (pictured this week)
On screen: The dancer spoke about how the show “caused certain feelings” because she “didn’t feel good mentally, physically or emotionally” when she took part (pictured with Jason Donovan in 2015)
Kristina explained how her daughter’s comment made her reflect on her time on Strictly, when she “felt hungry and weak during practice”.
She continued: “I watch it very rarely. It is always with mixed feelings. I had a lot of good times there but it brings back memories of how unsafe I felt and it makes me so sad.
“I felt so inadequate and fat.” In my head I needed to lose weight and was always looking for ways to cut calories. When I think back on it now, I feel so sad for myself.”
Former rugby star Ben (45) fell in love with the Russian dancer after they worked together on series 11 of Strictly in 2013, although Ben was married at the time.
Kristina left the show in 2015 when she became pregnant with Mila.
she said Hello! at the time: “It’s a bittersweet situation.” I was on Strictly for eight years and loved the dancing side of it, but I’m relieved because I wasn’t happy towards the end.
“It takes a toll on your life. “It’s very intense and it’s worth it if you feel like you’re growing as an artist… But I feel like some of that creativity is being taken away from me.”
Earlier this year, Ben said his relationship with fiancee Kristina was “strengthened” by “difficult business times” leading up to their wedding.
Family: Kristina, who shares daughter Mila with fiance Ben Cohen, also shared her fears for her seven-year-old daughter growing up under the pressure of social media
The Strictly curse: Former rugby star Ben fell in love with the Russian dancer after they worked together on series 11 of Strictly in 2013, even though Ben was married at the time
He said hello! Magazine: “We’ve been through a lot in the last nine years.”
“Supporting each other through difficult business times is the ultimate test of a relationship. I have seen her blossom from mother to businesswoman and it has strengthened our bond.”
They told the magazine that they plan to make the big day a family affair with Mila and Ben’s twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle (15) are bridesmaids from a previous relationship.
Kristina said: “Mila can’t wait, she’s already told me what she’s going to wear.” “I want a dress like that, Mom, with a long train like yours,” she tells me. She definitely knows her own mind.”
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
