How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Ended up In Debt

For audiences tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be ideal in assuming that its stars need to be earning a substantial fortune.

Whether it be the steadfast hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture for weeks on end, the program’s professional dancers have actually helped make the series a fascinating watch throughout the autumn months.

However, while it has actually been assumed that Strictly specialists must make a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for the majority of it’s a completely different story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor recently have actually shared their battles with piling debts and money problems, with some even facing the prospect of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff become the most recent stars to be hit by the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious financial troubles they had just recently experienced are thought to have actually lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars’ incomes to expose the fact about how for many, the money stops as quickly as the ballroom lights go dark …

Kristina Rihanoff

How Strictly’s popular dancers have ended up in financial obligation – as Kristina Rihanoff’s financial troubles are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (envisioned on the show in 2013)

Kristina previously appeared on Strictly as an expert from 2008 to 2015, making headings when she began a romance with her celeb partner Ben Cohen.

However, in 2015, the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being struck by cash issues, with Ben laying bare their monetary woes in court.

The degree of the couple’s struggles were laid bare in unusual scenarios – throughout a court look last September when Kristina, 47, was caught driving without insurance coverage.

Giving proof throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had actually made a mess of the handling of their vehicle insurance coverage and informed how he was ‘fighting to conserve his relationship and home’.

A pal of the couple told the Mail he stated: ‘The past 6 months have actually been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have picked to go forward as different individuals.

‘Those near them who know them as a couple had actually hoped they would have the ability to work things out but for now it’s over and it looks like there’s no going back.’

The couple were entrusted crippling financial obligations after they ploughed every cent they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis during the Covid pandemic.

In a tortuously frank admission Ben informed the court: ‘I get up every day and I combat not to lose everything – to lose my cars and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being struck by cash concerns, with Ben laying bare their monetary issues in court (pictured in 2021)

When questioned about the strains on his and Kristina’s relationship, he stated: ‘We’re still living together. We’re in it financially.

‘We’re in organization together so the issue is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst intensities of it and in all honestly this is simply another problem for me to handle.

‘I have actually got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got an organization debt because of Covid. It’s just another issue.’

The business was listed to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, however the action was suspended 9 days later and ceased on April 28, 2023.

Records also expose that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 percent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was efficiently ₤ 6,633 at a loss, considering future liabilities, in its last represent the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The business’s accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months overdue.

Another company called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is also owned by the Soo Yoga Group, was established in December 2021 and dissolved by a voluntary strike off in February this year without ever submitting accounts.

A fourth business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other people was likewise incorporated and willingly struck off on the same dates.

A 5th business called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, taking into account future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise nearly 29 months overdue, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ first increased to fame as a candidate on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic (pictured with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has because shed light on the money troubles some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ initially increased to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually previously wanted to start a brand-new era of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance tour, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ shed light on the cash problems some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the program.

He stated: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the trip was cut brief. We paid all of our dancers due to the fact that, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We wound up with a VAT bill which came out of our own pocket.

‘We didn’t make money, myself or Curtis, but we paid all of our dancers. It’s a tough choice to be made, but that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

‘They definitely did value it. I maybe didn’t appreciate the debt that I was left in but, hello, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his good friends believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, however, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is nowhere near that.

The dancer said: ‘I think a great deal of people anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and instantly be a millionaire. Once you’ve paid your tax and your VAT, and if you’re a restricted company, that’s not even close.

‘I think transparency is a favorable thing in this day and age, but many people do not actually want to discuss their financial resources.

‘And I believe individuals are fascinated by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and enjoy to see good things, and a lot of times you require to live within your own methods.’

After leaving programs such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a number of big cash offers and AJ says some people have no concept how to deal with that sort of amount of money.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a difference’ and have actually established ‘using our own money’ a financial investment firm called FINT to help to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ became really open about how often the TV bookings and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars have to discover how to ‘adjust’ their career.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his buddies think he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, as after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is no place near that

He continued: ‘It’s truly hard I believe in our market, the show business and a great deal of other industries today due to the fact that a great deal of people are being laid off. It does play on your mental health if you don’t have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested money, from my really first salary on Strictly I’ve constantly had actually that cash invested into different portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a job in six months time, I do have cash there that I can draw on if I need it.

‘And at the end of the day, there are always tasks out there. It’s just sometimes having to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is difficult however you do have to adjust in some cases.

‘It is essential that people go into these huge shows that they’re enjoying however they have a profession behind them like myself and Curt. We’re both professional dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.’

Every day, people are facing the expense of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real world’ as he’s observed the significant increase in everyday items.

He explained: ‘Every single day I’m reminded reality. I brought up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more pricey due to choices that have been made much greater up than my income. That’s the genuine world.

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more costly from yesterday to today’, like that’s crazy. I believe people forget, the expense of living and inflation’s increased.

‘Even when inflation boils down, it does not suggest that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a great deal of people this year and I do not believe it’s going to get any much easier.’

Robin Windsor

Despite drawing in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with simply ₤ 879 in his company’s company account

Despite drawing in a remarkable ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s organization account.

The dancer was found dead in a London hotel in February in 2015, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his firm had actually not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was dealing with an ‘active proposal’ to be struck off.

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, however owed creditors ₤ 15,000, suggesting it was ₤ 8,350 in the red.

At the height of his celeb in 2015 and 2016 he held more than ₤ 23,000 in the company and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was paid back.

The business had transported incomes from a ‘wide range of agreements to supply carrying out arts services within the media industry’, documents stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had been working on a Fred Olsen Cruise – alongside fellow Strictly expert Gordana Grandosek Whiddon – and published images of himself when the boat docked in South Africa.

Robin formerly informed how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year throughout his time on Strictly which pertained to an end after the 12th series in 2014.

The dancer was found dead in a London hotel in February, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his company had actually not traded for some time (envisioned on the show in 2013)

He also remembered one time he earned ‘silly cash’, telling This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were when paid ₤ 10,000 each to remain in a high-end resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an event. Our dance lasted two minutes.’

He remembered in September 2022 that the ‘best’ year of his monetary life was 2010, ‘my first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He said: ‘Suddenly, I was making money I had just dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not simply from Strictly but from work off the back of the show such as the trip and personal performances.

‘When you’re on prime-time TV, everyone desires a little slice of you.’

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being permitted to return that he could not bear to enjoy it, and he went into a ‘stable decline’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was drastically sacked by managers last year following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott

Following his departure from the show, Graziano tried to cash on his looks on the show, with customised video messages on Cameo

Graziano was as soon as thought about a favourite among Strictly fans, however last year he was drastically sacked by employers following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.

Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘ravaged’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply are sorry for the occasions that caused my departure from Strictly.

Strictly Come Dancing abundant list: The expert dancers waltzing all the way to the bank after earning MILLIONS thanks to the show

‘My extreme passion and decision to win may have impacted my training program.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s just ideal for the sake of the program that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t enabled to offer a quote to the online newspaper article, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the situation.

‘There’s more to this story that I am not able to talk about at this time, but I am dedicated to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly household absolutely nothing however success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano tried to cash on his appearances on the show, with customised video messages on Cameo.

The dancer charged $100 (₤ 78) for a video message, and continued to describe himself as a ‘professional dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

And the stars who have actually capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For many fans, Oti is considered among Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise earned a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For lots of fans, Oti is considered among Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020.

The dancer was reported to be on a ₤ 410,000 salary before she left the show in 2022, and because her exit has collected a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Since then, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was also a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The best Dancer, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before joining the Strictly lineup, Oti also worked as a professional dancer on Strictly’s German equivalent, Let’s Dance.

Oti is noted as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she established with her hubby Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has listed possessions of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money offer to work together with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence enhancing’ underclothing variety, and she and other half Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of properties in four personal companies, which they co-own. consisting of the residential or company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions since in 2015.

And Oti has just added to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! where she was apparently paid a ₤ 200,000 charge.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champ in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the show in 2020, has actually moneyed in with a string of stage functions

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his performing profession

Since leaving Strictly in 2020, Kevin Clifton has taken to the stage, performing in Strictly Ballroom, Rock of Ages and War of the Worlds.

His company Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its latest possessions with ₤ 42,234 staying after bills.

However, the dancer has actually formerly shared that it hasn’t always been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while trying to kickstart his performing profession, while managing it with a workplace task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s no one there, I’ll oversleep my car and then I can afford 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I invested loads of time oversleeping my cars and truck – basically living out of my car – and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People think we live these simple, showbiz, attractive lives and it’s not like that.

‘There’s been times where I was just getting fired from task after job – regular workplace jobs, just attempting to sustain my dancer profession.

‘I was essentially searching in my wallet going, I have actually simply been fired from another task. I’ve got 4 lessons tomorrow; I currently can’t spend for 2 of them.

‘I’m going to need to blag it with the teacher and say,” Oh, there’s been a problem at the bank. I’m going to need to give you the cash on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have capitalized their joint weight-loss recently, establishing a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his other half Ola following suit 2 years lateer.

James has actually appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, returned a couple of years later for the All Stars version and won Dancing On Ice in 2019.

The couple have actually cashed in on their joint weight loss recently, establishing a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The pair offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have given that downsized to a home more ‘appropriate’ for their daughter Ella.

Much of their income is funnelled through their firm James and Ola Dance Academy which most recently had ₤ 774,023 in assets and ₤ 465,002 after bills.

They earn additional cash by selling signed pictures for ₤ 9.50 while Ola offers dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC