'I won't live a lie, life is too short': Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff reveals the heartbreak behind her split from lover Joe Calzaghe
By JUDY COGAN
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Her smile never fell as she danced the quick step with her muscly dance partner Ben Cohen on Saturday.
But unbeknown dance to an awestruck audience of millions pro Kirstina Rihanoff was hiding an inner turmoil having split from lover of fours years Joe Calzaghe.
Now she reveals why she made the heart-breaking decision to end their relationship after she felt they were living a lie.
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Single lady: Kristina made the heart-breaking decision to split from her lover of four years Joe Calzaghe after revealing they were living a lie
Faded romance: Kristina Rihanoff and Joe Calzaghe began a passionate romance after they were paired together on the 2009 show
The Russian beauty, who dated boxer Joe for four years came to terms with the fact as a couple they wanted different things from life.
And she says she was left devastated after he refused to compromise to save their love.
She said: 'He wanted a girlfriend at home with his family in Wales, but he didn't want to get married or have children and I didn't want to give up that dream. And I won't live a lie, because life is too short.'
The former Welsh World champion has two sons from a previous relationship and despite the couple being 'crazy about each other' he was not prepared to have any more children, despite Kristina's burning desire to be a mum one day.
Career minded Kristina also reveals that while Joe was always supportive of her career her dancing with other men on Strictly made Joe jealous and he hated the male attention she got from being on the show.
'He always found it difficult when I danced with other men. Dancing is like acting, but some dances are very intimate and I'd never hold back, so it was weird for him.'
Keeping on smiling: Kristina showed no signs of her recent heartbreak while dancing the quick step with rugby ace Ben Cohen on Saturday night
Green eyed monster: Kristina, pictured here in a embrace with current dance partner Ben Cohen, revealed lover Joe found it difficult to see her dance with other men
He also felt neglected when her tough work schedule meant she only saw him once a week.
However, the 36 -year-old says she would have given it all up to start a family with the former sports star.
'If he had agreed to marry and have a family, I would have quit my career to make things work.
'When we split I was devastated, I went home to my mum in Russia and cried for two weeks - but deep down I knew that if the relationship doesn't make you both happy, then there's no point'.
The Strictly pro, who has appeared in six series of Strictly, began a passionate romance with Joe, 41, after they were paired together on the 2009 show.
Fast mover: Joe and Kristina were booted out in the fifth week, moved in together a year later and he bought her an eternity ring ring for Christmas 2010
They were booted out in the fifth week, moved in together a year later and he bought her an eternity ring ring for Christmas 2010.
They hit a rocky patch earlier this year as Kristina's work schedule forced them to spend mroe and more time apart. Kristina even opted out of last year's Strictly Come Dancing tour to try and salvage the relationship, enjoying two months off with Joe.
But the relationship rocketed down hill the moment Kristina signed up for West End hit Burn The Floor, seeing Joe just once a week during the run.
Happier times: Kristina and Joe in training for the 2009 show at the beginning of their romance
Sadly the relationship deteriorated further ending with Kristina driving to Wales to talk things through. By then she knew it was over admitting it would be easy to put up a front to those around them, but she could not convince herself everything was OK.
Now Kristina admits the split has lifted a weight off her shoulders as she no longer feels guilty about devoting her tie to her career and other men.
She is dancing in this year's Strictly with hunky rugby star Ben Cohen who she danced the quick step with on Saturday night.
If the couple get through to the sixth week Kristina will have the perfect distraction while her heart mends and she also has her 2014 calendar release to look forward to.
Ever the professional: Kristina Rihanoff has many professional highlights to look forward to including Strictly tour and her new calendar
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2477795/Strictly-Come-Dancings-Kristina-Rihanoff-reveals-heartbreak-Joe-Calzaghe-split.html#ixzz2ixDwYMOq
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