How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have actually Ended up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be best in assuming that its stars need to be making a large fortune.

Whether it be the steadfast hours of training, or being an on-screen component 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 been assumed that Strictly experts need to make a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for many it’s a completely different story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their struggles with piling financial obligations and money issues, with some even facing the possibility of losing their homes.

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

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ paychecks to reveal the truth about how for lots of, the cash stops as soon as the ballroom lights go dark …

Kristina Rihanoff

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

Kristina previously appeared on Strictly as a professional from 2008 to 2015, making headlines when she started a love with her celebrity partner Ben Cohen.

However, in 2015, the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being hit by money concerns, with Ben laying bare their monetary issues in court.

The level of the couple’s battles were laid bare in uncommon situations – throughout a court look last September when Kristina, 47, was captured driving without insurance coverage.

Giving evidence during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had bungled the handling of their automobile insurance plan and told how he was ‘fighting to conserve his relationship and home’.

A pal of the couple told the Mail he said: ‘The previous 6 months have actually been hell for them and it has actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have actually picked to move forward as separate individuals.

‘Those near them who understand them as a couple had actually hoped they would be able to work things out but for now it’s over and it appears like there’s no going back.’

The couple were left with crippling financial obligations after they tilled 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 fight not to lose everything – to lose my vehicles and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being hit by money problems, with Ben laying bare their monetary troubles in court (visualized in 2021)

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

‘We’re in company together so the problem is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst seriousness of it and in all honestly this is simply another problem for me to deal with.

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

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

Records also reveal that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was effectively ₤ 6,633 in the red, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last accounts for the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The company’s represent the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months past due.

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

A fourth company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by three other people was also integrated and voluntarily struck off on the exact same dates.

A fifth company called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 in the red, taking into consideration future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are also nearly 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ initially increased to popularity as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic (imagined with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has because clarify the money problems some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

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

While the star had formerly hoped to start a brand-new period of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his scheduled dance trip, plunging himself and bro Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash troubles some Strictly stars can face after leaving the show.

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

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

‘They absolutely did value it. I perhaps didn’t appreciate the debt that I was left in however, hello, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his friends believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that.

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

‘I think transparency is a positive thing in this day and age, however the majority of people don’t actually want to speak about their financial resources.

‘And I believe individuals are intrigued by money. People like to see numbers and love to see good things, and a lot of times you need to live within your own ways.’

After leaving programs such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a variety of huge cash deals and AJ says some individuals have no idea how to deal with that type of amount of money.

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘want to make a difference’ and have actually established ‘utilizing our own money’ a monetary investment firm called FINT to help to ‘educate’ people.

AJ ended up being really open about how in some cases the TV reservations and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to discover how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his friends believe 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 actually difficult I think in our industry, the show business and a lot of other markets today due to the fact that a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you don’t have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have invested money, from my extremely first pay check on Strictly I have actually constantly had actually that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t work in six months time, I do have cash there that I can draw on if I require it.

‘And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It’s simply in some cases having to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is tough but you do need to adjust often.

‘It is essential that people enter into these big programs that they’re delighting in but they have an occupation behind them like myself and Curt. We’re both professional dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.’

Every day, individuals are facing the cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s discovered the significant boost in everyday products.

He explained: ‘Each and every single day I’m reminded truth. I pulled up at the fuel pump today and the diesel was 10p more pricey due to choices that have actually been made much higher up than my paycheck. That’s the real life.

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

‘Even when inflation boils down, it does not suggest that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a great deal of people this year and I don’t think it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

Despite pulling in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his company’s business account

Despite drawing in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s service 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 company had not traded for some 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 submitted accounts, however owed creditors ₤ 15,000, implying it was ₤ 8,350 in the red.

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

The company had directed incomes from a ‘wide range of agreements to provide performing arts services within the media industry’, paperwork stated.

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

Robin formerly how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year throughout his time on Strictly which came 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 exposed his company had not traded for a long time (visualized on the program in 2013)

He likewise recalled one time he earned ‘ridiculous money’, informing This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were once paid ₤ 10,000 each to remain in a luxury resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an event. Our dance lasted 2 minutes.’

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

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

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he couldn’t bear to watch it, and he entered into a ‘consistent decline’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by employers last year following claims of gross misconduct towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was when thought about a favourite amongst Strictly fans, however last year he was drastically sacked by managers following claims of gross misconduct towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later on validated and regretted his actions against Zara.

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

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

‘My intense passion and decision to win might have impacted my training program.

‘While appreciating the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s just right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t enabled to provide a quote to the online newspaper article, and I take on board the sensitivity of the scenario.

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

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

The dancer charged $100 (₤ 78) for a video message, and continued to refer to 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 thought about one of Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

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

For many fans, Oti is thought about one of Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020.

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

Ever since, she has actually appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, contributing to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before signing up with the Strictly lineup, Oti likewise worked as a professional dancer on Strictly’s German equivalent, Let’s Dance.

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

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money offer to team up with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence increasing’ underclothing variety, and she and partner Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of assets in 4 private business, which they co-own. including the residential or commercial property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in assets as of in 2015.

And Oti has actually only contributed to her fortune in current months by appearing on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was reportedly paid a ₤ 200,000 cost.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champ in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the program in 2020, has cashed in with a string of phase functions

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his car while attempting to kickstart his performing profession

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

His company Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its most current assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after expenses.

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

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s nobody there, I’ll sleep in my vehicle and then I can pay for 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I invested loads of time oversleeping my car – generally living out of my automobile – 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 simply getting fired from job after job – typical office tasks, simply attempting to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was generally looking in my wallet going, I’ve just been fired from another job. I’ve got four lessons tomorrow; I already can’t spend for two of them.

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

Business: James and Ola Jordan have capitalized their joint weight reduction in the last few years, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

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

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

The couple have cashed in on their joint weight loss recently, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The pair sold their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have actually since downsized to a home more ‘suitable’ for their daughter Ella.

Much of their income is funnelled through their company 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 photos for ₤ 9.50 while Ola provides dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC