Ben Cohen’s ex wife Abby reveals she’s battling cancer
BEN Cohen’s ex-wife Abby has been diagnosed with cancer.
Abby, the mother of Strictly Come Dancing star Ben’s two children, shared a video documenting her journey including having a stoma bag fitted.
Former rugby player Ben, 44, and Abby, 44, split after he fell in love with his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff on the BBC show in 2013.
Writing on Instagram, Abby said she had visited a doctor after concerns about her health but did not specify where her cancer had been found.
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 & taking good care of me when I felt so scared & most vulnerable.
“I can’t express enough how lucky I am to have such amazing family & friends that have helped me through this incredibly tough journey.”
Abby continued: “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.”
She finished her post by writing: “#F**kcancer.”
Abby and Ben share twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, both 15.
She shared a touching video of her daughters supporting her in hospital during her treatment.
Following their bitter split in 2013, Abbey said she was furious to learn they had been struck by the Strictly curse.
She told The Sun in 2015: “My husband, who I was with for 23 years, unconditionally loved and was completely loyal to in every respect, has left me for a f**king Russian dancer.
“The last two years have been the most traumatic thing to ever happen to me. He’s done the dirty on me. I want people to know.”
Abby added: “I sat in the [Strictly] studio audience each week smiling, but looking back, I see I was terrified.
“Thankfully, I don’t recognise that frightened woman now, I’m so different. Perhaps Strictly did me a favour in the long run.”
Ben and Kristina welcomed a daughter, Mila, in 2016.
Kristina quit Strictly in the same year and Ben proposed last October during a holiday in the Maldives.