Former England rugby star Ben Cohen was visibly emotional as he recounted the brutal killing of his father and revealed his teenage daughter's serious heart condition during a raw appearance on Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
A Father's Fatal Act of Bravery
During Monday night's intense episode, the 47-year-old athlete detailed the horrific 2000 incident that led to his father Peter's death. Peter Cohen, brother of 1966 World Cup winner George Cohen, was fatally assaulted outside a nightclub in Northampton that he co-owned with Ben's brother.
"My dad got beaten to death protecting someone. It was f***ing horrible. It was savage," Ben recalled, struggling to hold back tears. He explained that the attack occurred when the venue was closed, and his father intervened in a dispute involving other individuals.
Peter Cohen suffered a severe beating that ultimately caused an aneurysm. He died from a blood clot a month later. Three men were subsequently jailed for violent disorder in connection with the assault.
"You don't know how to handle it at that age," Ben reflected on the trauma. "It's kind of what I'm trying to process now. Really tough. What happened to my dad really leaves a hole in your life."
Family Health Crisis and Personal Struggles
The retired sportsman's current life is also under immense strain. He disclosed that his 17-year-old daughter, Isabelle, has been diagnosed with a heart condition and will soon undergo surgery to have a pacemaker fitted.
"It's been horrendous. Izzy is having a pacemaker fitted and it's a lot to process," Ben stated. He described trying to be a "pillar of strength" for his daughters—twins Isabelle and Harriet from his previous marriage, and nine-year-old Milena from his relationship with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff.
Ben characterised the past 18 months as 'horrendous', citing his turbulent on-off relationship with Rihanoff and significant financial difficulties. The couple invested heavily in a yoga and fitness business that was crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to substantial debt.
Financial Strain and Relationship Turmoil
The extent of their struggles emerged publicly during a 2024 court case where Rihanoff was prosecuted for driving without insurance. Giving evidence, Cohen admitted he had mishandled their insurance policy and laid bare their precarious situation.
"I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn," he told the court. He confirmed they were still living together, bound by financial and business entanglements from their failed venture.
Despite recent reports of a reconciliation, a friend told the Daily Mail in March that the past six months had "been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart."
Through the intense interrogation on Celebrity SAS, Ben Cohen laid bare a life marked by profound personal tragedy, ongoing family health battles, and relentless financial pressure, showcasing a struggle far removed from his rugby glory days.
