Former Strictly Come Dancing star Ben Cohen has separated from his wife - becoming the third contestant from the last series of the ballroom show to announce the end of a relationship.

The former rugby player, 36, and his wife Abby have split after 11 years of marriage.

A joint statement said: "Ben and Abby Cohen have agreed to take time apart to deal with some marital issues but remain fully committed to the welfare of their children.

"There is no third party involved, and Ben and Abby now ask that their privacy and that of their family be respected at this difficult time."

Ben was the eighth celebrity to leave the BBC One show when he was partnered with Kristina Rihanoff last year.

Finalist Susanna Reid, who was in the same show, announced earlier this year that her long-term relationship with the father of her children had ended.

Countdown star Rachel Riley announced her marriage had ended in November last year, and recently confirmed her romance with Strictly professional partner Pasha Kovalev, who she was paired with on the show.