Kristina Rihanoff has admitted she starved herself on Strictly because she felt “inadequate and fat”.
The 46-year-old professional dancer, who took part in the BBC competition from 2008 to 2015, spoke openly about her own struggles with body image and her fears for her seven-year-old daughter, who is growing up under the pressures of social media.
In a new interview on Thursday, Kristina spoke about how the show “triggers certain feelings” as she was “not feeling well mentally, physically or emotionally” while taking part.
Kristina shares a daughter, Mila, with her fiancé Ben Cohen, and explained how the child refused to eat chips because she was afraid of gaining weight.
Speaking to The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine, she said: “As a mother it’s a never-ending worry. “There’s so much on social media. She’s too young to be on Instagram and I’m aware of what she’ll see online. But she’s part of the digital generation, so it’s inevitable.”
Terrible: Kristina Rihanoff, 46, has admitted feeling ‘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 “triggers certain feelings” as she was “not feeling well mentally, physically or emotionally” while taking part (pictured with Jason Donovan in 2015).
Kristina explained how her daughter’s comment made her think about her time on Strictly when she was “starving and feeling weak in training”.
She continued: “I watch it very rarely.” It’s always with mixed feelings. I had many wonderful 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 eat fewer calories. Looking back now, I feel so sad for myself.”
Former rugby star Ben, 45, fell in love with the Russian dancer after they got 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 when you feel like you’re fulfilling yourself as an artist… But I feel like some of that creativity has been taken out of my hands .”
Earlier this year, Ben said his relationship with his fiancée Kristina had been “strengthened” by “difficult business times” before their wedding.
Family: Kristina, who shares daughter Mila with fiancé Ben Cohen, also shared her fears for her seven-year-old daughter as she grows up under the pressures of social media
The Strictly curse: Former rugby star Ben fell in love with the Russian dancer after they got 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 tough business times is the ultimate test in a relationship. I’ve seen her blossom, from mother to businesswoman, and that has strengthened our bond.”
They told the magazine they plan to make the big day a family affair with Mila and Ben’s twin daughter from a previous relationship, Harriette, and Isabelle, 15, as bridesmaids.
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 you’re going to have,” she tells me. She certainly knows what she wants.’