Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff has said her relationship with boxer Joe Calzaghe failed because of her dedication to her dancing.
The 38-year-old blonde revealed she prioritised dance practice and dance routines with celebrity Jason Donovan when they were partnered in 2011.
Her attention to detail regarding work impacted on her relationship with the boxer.
They had met two years before when they were also partnered on Strictly. Kristina and Joe split in 2013.
She told the Daily Mirror: “Me and Jason were very alike and driven to succeed. We would go into the studio and work like crazy, to the extent that even our camera crew started asking us if we wanted to break for a minute so they could see us have five minutes rest!”
“We were going for it at 100 miles per hour and Jason was so focused on getting everything right, there was no time for a pause.”
She added: “And yes, it did put a lot of strain on my relationship with Joe. I was home, but not home. I was there in body, but not in spirit.
“It wasn’t a normal relationship, and I accept that I neglected him during the series, but when I have a responsibility to someone professionally that takes priority over everything else; it always has done.”
“Joe was supportive but I know he did feel lonely and left out.”
The Russian star embarked on West End show Burn The Floor after Strictly.
“He told me that it got to him after a while. My private life has always come second as my love for dancing comes first – it comes before everything.”
Kristina is now in a relationship with former rugby player Ben Cohen. They met on Strictly in 2013 and got together after he split from his wife Abby earlier this year.
The dancing star partnered Irish singer Daniel O’Donnell in this year’s series.
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