‘The Strictly “curse” did me a favour'

Five years after her agonising divorce, Abby Cohen, 41, has emerged stronger – and in an open letter to other women in her position, she assures them they too will cope

- SUSANNA GALTON

While the rest of the country sits down to watch Strictly Come Dancing this weekend, I certainly won’t be. And if I’m at someone else’s home and the hugely popular BBC show comes on TV, I’ll politely ask them to switch it off as usual.

Even the music triggers too many painful feelings. Back in 2013, my then husband, the former rugby star Ben Cohen, 42, took part in the series that marked the end of our 23-year relationship and the start of two mental breakdowns which took me to the darkest place imaginable.

I’m a naturally reserved person, so when the show returns each year and I get asked for interviews, I usually say no. It’s frustrating that all of the hurt I endured is still of any interest. Yet – although I’m not interested in publicity or cash – I want to close this chapter of my life. I realise I have a platform to help others and that’s something I don’t feel shy about sharing. So if I can help others in this position, I will.

Ben and I were childhood sweethearts. Both from Northampton, we met aged 16 working in Saturday jobs and soon became inseparable. I was innocent, shy and didn’t have much confidence, so he naturally took on the role of protector.

I adored Ben – he was my heartbeat, my world, my hero. In return, he was utterly devoted to me, worshipping the ground I walked on. I will always cherish our journey of falling in love. For years, we were Ben and Abs, it just worked. We married on 13 July 2002 and it was the happiest day.