Former England rugby player Ben Cohen has shared heartbreaking news about his teenage daughter's health, revealing she requires major surgery to fit a pacemaker.
Emotional Revelation on Celebrity SAS
The 47-year-old sportsman made the emotional disclosure during a tense interrogation on the upcoming series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Cohen described the past 18 months as 'horrendous', a period compounded by his on-off relationship with dancer Kristina Rihanoff and significant financial troubles.
He explained that his daughter, Isabelle, one of the twins he shares with ex-wife Abby Cohen, will undergo the procedure. 'Izzy is having a pacemaker fitted and it's a lot to process,' he told show staff, according to reports.
A Father's Strength and Self-Neglect
Cohen spoke about the immense pressure of supporting his children through difficult times, stating he has tried to be a 'pillar of strength' for his daughters. This includes Isabelle and her twin Harriet, as well as his younger daughter Milena, whom he shares with Rihanoff.
'How do you deal with it? You be strong for your daughter, you have to be that pillar of strength,' he said. 'That's when the self-neglect comes in because you prioritise other things before yourself.'
While the specific nature of Isabelle's heart condition was not detailed, it is understood Cohen writes a moving letter to his daughter during the show, praising her courage following her diagnosis. A pacemaker is a small implanted device that regulates heartbeat with electrical impulses, preventing it from beating too slowly or irregularly.
Personal Struggles and Rekindled Romance
The former Strictly Come Dancing star linked the emotional strain of his daughter's health battle to other turmoil in his life. 'There's so much going on in my life personally... when you get to this point it almost takes the lid off the can and all those emotions swirl with each other,' he confessed.
He also reportedly discusses the death of his father, Peter Cohen, on the programme. Cohen's personal life has been turbulent; his relationship with Kristina Rihanoff, which began when they were paired on Strictly in 2013, has faced very public challenges.
The couple split earlier this year amid money troubles linked to failed joint business ventures, but were seen rekindling their romance at a fashion event in September. A source said at the time: 'They've decided to give things another go. They looked very much in love.'
Ben Cohen's candid appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins is expected to air soon on Channel 4.
