Strictly siren Kristina Rihanoff brushes off Ben Cohen romance rumours to hit the dance floor in skimpy backless dress as her new musical opens in London
She's been at the centre of speculation for the past week about her relationship with former Strictly Come Dancing partner Ben Cohen as new photos emerged of a late night rendezvous.
But Kristina Rihanoff is putting the rumours to one side to concentrate on work as her new musical opened in London on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old Russian dancer took part in a photocall to promote her show Puttin' On The Ritz ahead of curtain up, looking stunning in a skimpy backless dress as she showed off her moves with pro partner Robin Windsor.
Back to the day job: Kristina Rihanoff hit the dance floor with fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor on Wednesday as they prepared to open their new musical Puttin' On The Ritz
Kristina stars alongside fellow Strictly professionals Robin and Trent Whiddon in the musical, as well as 2014 contestant Pixie Lott.
The show, which features the songs of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin and Cole Porter, opens at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday before heading out on tour.
Hours before opening night, Kristina and Robin showed off their moves, with the blonde beauty dressed in a flirty dress and fishnet tights.
The dancer will hit the stage in an array of dazzling costumes during the production, giving fans a taste of what's to come in a sparkly black number for the photocall which featured a ruffled flower print skirt.
Dancer's curves: The Russian stunner wore a backless dress which featured a ruffled skirt for the photocall
The backless detail of the dress was on show as Kristina twirled around the floor and took part in some daring lifts with Robin.
Kristina has been concentrating on Puttin' On The Ritz this week, retweeting plenty of good luck messages from her Strictly pals, but her new venture comes amid plenty of drama in her personal life.
The star's 2013 Strictly celeb partner Ben Cohen was pictured leaving his former dance parner's West London flat after a 10-hour overnight star on Friday.
The sighting reignited rumours about the state of Ben and Kristina's relationship, following the England rugby player's split from his wife off 11 years last September - although similar claims made in the past have always been vehemently denied by both parties.
She's got moves: The 37-year-old showed off her skills with Robin for the show which also stars 2014 Strictly contestant Pixie Lott and her pro partner Trent Whiddon
Kristina and Ben were initially reunited on Thursday evening at the sportsman's StandUp Foundation Dinner in London before both being pictured going into the building, in which the dancer has a flat, after midnight, according to theSun on Sunday.
The latest drama comes after Kristina previously denied breaking up two other relationships due to her romances with Strictly professional Vincent Simone and boxer Joe Calzaghe.
During their time on the show, both Ben and Kristina were forced to deny rumours any form of romantic relationship was taking place but sources have revealed BBC bosses are ‘furious’ over the latest sighting of the pair together, which they fear could be damaging for the programme's brand.
One source said: ‘Behind the scenes bosses at the show will be furious with her. There will be discussions taking place. They are obsessed with protecting the brand and it’s a big show for them, here and abroad, and with Top Gear out of the window, they will be even more protective of Strictly.
Drama: Kristina has been throwing herself into her new venture after a headline-hitting week which has seen speculation about her friendship with Strictly partner Ben Cohen reignite
‘Kristina and her agent were spoken to last year [after Cohen’s split from his wife] and it was made clear that bosses on the show were not happy with her behaviour. They have agreed to have her back on the show but it’s a decision they may now be regretting and there’s a possibility they could reconsider.’
In September 2014, Ben and his wife Abby separated after 11 years together due to 'marital issues'. A statement added: 'There is no third party involved.' Kristina was subsequently plagued by trolls, who labelled her a 'homewrecker' despite her continual denials she was anything more than friends with Ben.
Neither party has commented on the latest rumours. MailOnline has contacted both Ben and Kristina’s representatives for comment but has not yet received a reply.
Reunited: England rugby star Ben and Kristina posed for photographers at StandUp Foundation Dinner on Thursday night before going back to the dancer's home
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