Kristina Rihanoff is a Russian professional dancer, choreographer and television personality best known for appearing on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. Born in Vladivostok, Russia, she developed a passion for dancing during childhood and went on to build an international career in ballroom and Latin competitions. British audiences became familiar with her after she joined Strictly in 2008. During her time on the programme, she partnered celebrities including John Sergeant, Jason Donovan, Ben Cohen and Simon Webbe. Away from television, she has explored dance education, choreography and wellbeing projects. Her relationship with former England rugby player Ben Cohen has also attracted public interest. This article looks at her age, early life, television career, family, reported net worth and professional activities in 2026.
Who Is Kristina Rihanoff?
Kristina Rihanoff is a professional ballroom and Latin dancer who became a familiar face on British television through Strictly Come Dancing. Her career includes international competitions, choreography, dance teaching and entertainment appearances.
Although born in Russia, she established much of her professional reputation in the United Kingdom. Her technical ability and energetic performances helped her gain recognition among television audiences.
She has also developed interests outside broadcasting, including dance education and wellness.
Kristina Rihanoff Age, Birthday and Background
Kristina Rihanoff was born on 22 September 1977 in Vladivostok, Russia. She is 49 years old as of November 2026.
Her birth name is Kristina Pshenichnykh, although she is professionally known by her current stage name. Her childhood interest in performing arts eventually became a full-time career.
Key details include:
- Date of birth: 22 September 1977
- Age: 49 years
- Birthplace: Vladivostok, Russia
- Nationality: Russian
- Height: Approximately 1.60 metres
- Profession: Dancer, choreographer and television personality
- Known for: Strictly Come Dancing
- Partner: Ben Cohen, subject to the latest confirmed relationship information
- Daughter: Milena, also known as Mila
Kristina Rihanoff Young and Early Life
Growing up in Vladivostok, she developed an interest in music and movement at a young age. Her father had a musical background, and her early environment helped encourage her interest in performing.
She began dance training during childhood and gradually developed the technique required for competitive ballroom dancing.
By her teenage years, she was already helping at dance classes. Teaching younger pupils gave her valuable experience and allowed her to earn money while continuing her own training.
She later moved abroad to pursue professional opportunities. Experience in the United States helped broaden her competitive career before she eventually established herself in Britain.
Kristina Rihanoff Strictly Come Dancing Career
Her television breakthrough came in 2008 when she joined BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. She brought international experience to the programme and worked with celebrities who had different levels of dancing ability.
Her notable partnerships included:
- John Sergeant: Her first celebrity partner in 2008, whose performances attracted considerable attention.
- Joe Calzaghe: The former world boxing champion competed with her in 2009.
- Jason Donovan: The Australian actor and singer reached third place in 2011.
- Ben Cohen: The former England rugby international partnered her in 2013.
- Simon Webbe: The Blue singer reached the 2014 final and finished as runner-up.
- Daniel O’Donnell: The Irish singer competed with her in 2015.
The partnership with Simon Webbe became one of her most memorable Strictly experiences. Their performances demonstrated her ability to guide a celebrity through demanding routines and live television pressure.
She also appeared on the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour, performing for audiences across the UK. She left the main television competition in 2015, but the programme remains a defining part of her public career.
Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen Relationship
She met Ben Cohen when they were paired together on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013. Their professional partnership eventually developed into a romantic relationship.
Ben was already recognised for his sporting achievements. He represented England in rugby union and was part of the team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Their relationship attracted media attention because Ben had previously been married to Abby Blayney. They later separated, and their divorce was finalised in 2016.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Milena, in 2016. Ben proposed during a holiday in the Maldives in 2022.
Reports of a separation emerged in 2025, followed by further coverage suggesting a reconciliation. However, these reports should not be treated as confirmation of a marriage or a definitive statement about their current private relationship.
Kristina Rihanoff and Corky Ballas
Corky Ballas is an American ballroom dancer and instructor. He is also the father of professional dancer Mark Ballas and the former husband of Strictly judge Shirley Ballas.
Kristina and Corky became connected through dance training and their personal relationship. Their history attracted media attention because Corky was previously married to Shirley.
The relationship later became a subject of public discussion when Shirley joined Strictly Come Dancing as a judge in 2017.
This connection belongs to an earlier chapter of the dancer’s personal life. Her later relationship with Ben Cohen became more widely discussed in British entertainment coverage.
Kristina Rihanoff Net Worth and Sources of Income
Her exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed. Online estimates have circulated, including an older figure suggesting wealth of more than £1.5 million. However, this historical estimate should not be treated as a verified valuation for 2026.
Her professional income has come from several areas:
- Television: Years on Strictly helped establish her profile and created further entertainment opportunities.
- Professional dancing: Live performances, competitions and dance projects have formed part of her career.
- Dance education: Her involvement with Bespoke Ballroom provides opportunities to teach younger performers.
- Wellbeing: She has also been involved in Soo Yoga.
- Choreography and judging: Her experience has supported work in production, workshops and dance competitions.
Without recent financial statements or a direct disclosure, her current wealth remains unknown.
Kristina Rihanoff Career Beyond Strictly
After leaving the BBC competition, she continued working in performing arts and developed projects focused on teaching and wellbeing.
One important venture is Bespoke Ballroom, a dance and performing arts academy in Northamptonshire. It provides training for children and young people interested in ballroom, Latin and performance.
She has also been involved in Soo Yoga, a wellbeing project associated with yoga and fitness. These activities reflect her interest in helping people develop confidence, movement skills and healthy routines.
Her professional interests now extend across dance instruction, choreography, workshops, yoga and judging.
Kristina Rihanoff 2026: Latest News and Projects
In 2026, she continued to discuss Strictly Come Dancing and the direction of the BBC programme. In October, she suggested that the show could benefit from taking a year away following controversies. She also spoke positively about presenter Emma Willis.
Another important development is her involvement in Dance to the Music, a live production scheduled for a UK tour in January and February 2027.
The show features different dance styles, including swing, disco, hip-hop, salsa, tango and traditional ballroom. Her role demonstrates her continued interest in choreography and live entertainment.
(FAQs)
How Old Is Kristina Rihanoff?
She was born on 22 September 1977 and is 49 years old in November 2026. Her birthplace is Vladivostok, Russia.
Are Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen Married?
Ben proposed in 2022, but there is no confirmed public announcement establishing that they married. Reports have discussed changes in their relationship.
Does Kristina Rihanoff Have Children?
Yes. She has a daughter named Milena, commonly called Mila, with Ben Cohen. Mila was born in 2016 and has shown an interest in competitive dancing.
What Did Kristina Rihanoff Do Before Strictly?
Before joining the BBC programme, she trained and competed internationally as a professional ballroom and Latin dancer. She also gained experience teaching dance.
What Is Kristina Rihanoff Doing Now?
She continues to work in dance education, choreography and wellbeing. She is also involved in the upcoming Dance to the Music UK tour.
Conclusion
From her early training in Russia to her television career in Britain, Kristina has built a varied professional life through dancing, choreography and education. Her partnerships with celebrities such as Jason Donovan and Simon Webbe helped establish her reputation among British viewers. Away from television, her work with Bespoke Ballroom and wellbeing projects has allowed her to explore new opportunities. Her relationship with Ben Cohen and their daughter Mila has also remained a subject of public interest. With further live entertainment work planned, she continues to contribute to the world of professional dance in 2026.