Ex-strictly dance star Rihanoff to name newborn daughter Milena

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff and her partner Ben Cohen have revealed they named their newborn daughter Milena.

The Russian dancer and the former professional rugby player said they will shorten the Slavic name to Mila.

Rihanoff, 38, gave birth on 24 June at Northampton General Hospital to the 7lb 1oz baby and said it was a gruelling 19 and a half hour labour, which took longer than expected because the umbilical cord was wrapped about the baby’s neck.

Cohen said: “Every time 0 Kristina Rihanoff gave birth to a daughter last month Kristina pushed, the cord was pulling the baby back. There comes a point when it is not happening and you do worry.”

Rihanoff added: “I was squeezing his hand so hard that I thought I might break it. I can’t even begin to describe the pain, but it’s an incredibly proud moment when you see your baby for the first time. It’s an incredible feeling of love.”

She added: “It’s the feeling of being settled. I’m in a happy place. I feel a sense of security with Ben being next to me.”

Cohen, 37, who has twin daughters, eight, from a previous marriage, said: “Kristina was amazing and I’m so very proud.

“Mila has changed the dynamic – another little human in our lives. She is our creation and that is amazing.”

“It was very emotional and it gives you even more respect – it’s nature at its best.”