Strictly hunk set to strip off as he signs up for ITV’s Real Full Monty – in tribute to his EX wife
STRICTLY hunk and rugby star Ben Cohen has signed up to The Real Full Monty in tribute to his ex-wife Abby, The Sun can reveal.
It comes just weeks after Abby, 44, bravely revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer.
The former couple, who share twin daughters Harriette and Isabelle, split after he fell in love with his professional partner Kristina Rihanoff on Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.
In a touching move of solidarity with his ex, Ben, 44, will now follow in the footsteps of Towie’s James Argent, Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan and Olympian Colin Jackson in strippng off to highlight the importance of checking your body for cancer – all while recreating the famous striptease from the classic British film.
A source told The Sun: “Ben has been inspired by Abby’s fight and wants to do this for her and their kids.
“Everyone in their family has been touched by this dreadful disease, and he’s happy to bare all if it encourages even just one person to get their symptoms checked.”
The Sun has contacted ITV for comment.
Abby revealed her cancer ordeal with a snap from her hospital bed on July 10, and said she had been fitted with a stoma bag.
She did not specify where her cancer had been found or when, but said only one symptom alerted her that something was wrong.
She said: “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 found love again three years ago with new partner David Warner.
She also said she regretted lashing out at Ben‘s new partner Kristina, who quit Strictly after going public with Ben.
Ben and Kristina welcomed a daughter, Mila, in 2016.