Former England rugby player Ben Cohen has dismissed rumours that his former Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff was involved in his split from wife Abigail.
The 36-year-old and his wife announced recently that the couple have decided to take a break from their 11-year marriage.
Widespread reports suggested that Rihanoff, who was paired with Cohen on the BBC reality show last year, played a role in the split.
To address the rumours, Cohen wrote on Facebook: "Stories have been published that are laced with innuendo about me, my wife Abby, and my friend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff.
"Kristina and I share the same passion for charity work and have helped each other with our charities to raise money and awareness.
"It is a desperately sad world, when two adults of different genders cannot have a friendship without being attacked maliciously. My wife and I have already issued a statement regarding our current marital issues, and we stand by that statement."
Cohen and Abigail have twin seven-year-old daughters together.
