Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' star Ben Cohen's ex-wife Abby has been diagnosed with cancer.

Ben Cohen's ex-wife Abby diagnosed with cancer

Ben Cohen's ex-wife Abby diagnosed with cancer

The 44 year old - who split from the pro rugby player after he left her for his pro dancer partner Kristina Rihanoff, who Ben was partnered with on the Latin and ballroom show in 2013 - took to Instagram to reveal she has been battling cancer, but admitted she only had one symptom.

She wrote: "This was and is the toughest yet. I’m unlucky, but lucky, to have been warned only once with a symptom of this terrible illness. With huge thanks to the NHS for saving my life and taking good care of me when I felt so scared and most vulnerable. I can’t express enough how lucky I am to have such amazing family and friends that have helped me through this incredibly tough journey."

Abby - who has twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle, 15, with Ben - didn't specify which type of cancer she had, and has urged others to keep an eye out for changes to their body.

She wrote: "Never ignore your body when it’s trying to warn you, I didn’t and it’s given me a chance to live my new life. In time and with the right treatment, I’m hoping this WILL all be a distant memory for me.

‘You never know how strong you are until it’s your only choice’.

#f***cancer (sic)"

Following her split from Ben, Abby found love with new partner Dave and went public in 2020 when she posted a picture with him on Instagram.

Afterwards, she told MailOnline: "I use Instagram as an advertising tool for my business.

"When I downloaded the picture, I was struck by the lens flare - when the light hits the back of the lens. I hardly recognised myself, I looked so happy. I haven't looked like that for a long time.

"I put it on Instagram without really thinking. When I woke up the next day, loads of people had started to follow me. Then a publicist I use for my work called to say, 'You've got a new boyfriend'.

"I thought, 'Everyone still labels me Ben's ex' but I'm not that Abby any more. I'm me. I've got my two girls. My life. I've finally met a really nice man. I want to be known as 'Abby the good photographer' or "Abby the great mum'. I'm very different. I'm stronger."

Ben and Kristina - who welcomed daughter Mila into the world in 2016 - got engaged last year.

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