Strictly Come Dancing: Kristina Rihanoff
In the 2009 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina Rihanoff partnered Joe Calzaghe.
In September 2009, there were differing reports as to the nature of Joe Calzaghe and Kristina Rihanoff's relationship.
In spite of often being saved by the public vote (as with Kristina's previous partner John Sargeant), Joe and Kristina were eliminated in the fifth week.
In the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Kristina Rihanoff partnered John Sergeant.
Against all odds John and Kristina survived week 9 of Strictly Come Dancing, but, on 19 November 2008, John Sergeant decided to leave the competition of his own accord, saying:
"The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far. I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."
Like her dance partner Brian Fortuna, it was Kristina Rihanoff's first appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
Kristina was born in Siberia and was brought up in Vladivostok. Her father Igor was a musician and composer and her mother Larisa was an engineer.
When Kristina was 10-years-old her parents split up and for a number of years Kristina and her father did not speak.
As well as pursuing dancing, Kristina Rihanoff also gained a Master's degree in Tourism and Hospitality.
Then Kristina Rihanoff started competing internationally in Latin dance competitions and was invited to work in America by an exiled Russian coach.
In 2001, Kristina Rihanoff moved to Seattle in the USA.
She amassed good results in dance tournaments including second place at the American Rhythm Finals for three consecutive years and another second place in the World Exhibition at the Blackpool Dance Festival in the theatre-style category.
Kristina Rihanoff then partnered Michael Wentink and they won the South African Championship and were also semi-finalists at the 2007 Blackpool competition in the Latin American division.
Kristina has released instructional dance DVDs with Corky Ballas.
Kristina Rihanoff has written a make-up book for women in the dance world.
Kristina Rihanoff has known fellow Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Lilia Kopylova, since they met in Vladivostok when Kristina was 13.
In April 2009, The Mirror reported that Kristina Rihanoff had a fling on tour with Vincent Simone.
Kristina Rihanoff's official site has an interesting biography of her.
Also recommended is the Daily Mail's interview with Kristina Rihanoff.
