How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have actually Wound Up In Debt

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

Whether it be the determined hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture for weeks on end, the program’s expert dancers have helped make the series a captivating watch throughout the fall months.

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly specialists must 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 actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their struggles with piling debts and money problems, with some even facing the possibility of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff become the latest stars to be hit by the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the severe financial problems they had just recently experienced are believed to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars’ incomes to expose the reality about how for lots of, 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 problems are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (visualized 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 celebrity partner Ben Cohen.

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

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

Giving evidence during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had made a mess of the handling of their cars and truck insurance plan and told how he was ‘battling to save his relationship and home’.

A good friend of the couple told the Mail he said: ‘The past six months have been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have chosen to go forward as separate people.

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

The couple were entrusted to debilitating financial obligations after they ploughed every penny 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 battle not to lose whatever – to lose my vehicles and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being struck by cash issues, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court (visualized in 2021)

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

‘We stay in business together so the issue is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst intensities of it and in all truthfully this is just 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 financial obligation since of Covid. It’s just another problem.’

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

Records likewise reveal that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 percent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was successfully ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last represent the period ending on July 31, 2020.

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

Another business called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is likewise 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 4th company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other people was likewise incorporated and voluntarily struck off on the same dates.

A fifth company 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 initially rose to popularity as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic (envisioned with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has considering that clarify the money troubles some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into debt when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ initially increased to fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had previously wanted to kickstart a new age of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance trip, plunging himself and bro Curtis into financial obligation.

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

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

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

‘They absolutely did appreciate it. I possibly didn’t value the financial obligation that I was left in however, hey, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies 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 stated: ‘I think a lot of people anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and instantly be a millionaire. Once you have actually paid your tax and your VAT, and if you’re a restricted company, that’s not even close.

‘I think openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but the majority of people don’t actually wish to discuss their finances.

‘And I think individuals are intrigued by money. People enjoy to see numbers and love to see nice things, and a lot of times you require to live within your own ways.’

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

Former I’m A Celeb star he and Curtis ‘wish to make a distinction’ and have established ‘using our own money’ a financial investment firm called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ became extremely open about how in some cases the TV bookings and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars need to find out how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies 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 really hard I think in our industry, the home entertainment industry and a lot of other industries today because a great deal of people are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you do not have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have invested money, from my really first wage on Strictly I’ve constantly had that money invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t work in 6 months time, I do have money there that I can make use of if I require it.

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

‘It is essential that individuals enter into these huge shows that they’re taking pleasure in but 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, individuals are facing the expense of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no various and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real world’ as he’s discovered the significant boost in everyday products.

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

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more expensive from the other day to today’, like that’s insane. I believe individuals forget, the cost of living and inflation’s gone up.

‘Even when inflation comes down, it doesn’t suggest that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be tough for a lot of people this year and I don’t think it’s going to get any much easier.’

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with just ₤ 879 in his company’s company 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 facing an ‘active proposition’ to be struck off.

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but owed creditors ₤ 15,000, indicating 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 company, which was repaid.

The business had actually carried revenues from a ‘wide array of agreements to provide performing arts services within the media industry’, documents said.

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

Robin formerly told 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 revealed his company had actually not traded for some time (imagined on the program in 2013)

He also recalled one time he made ‘silly money’, informing This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were when 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 two minutes.’

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

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

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

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin said he became so ‘bitter’ about not being allowed to return that he could not bear to watch it, and he went into a ‘stable decrease’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was once thought about a favourite among Strictly fans, however last year he was significantly sacked by bosses following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply are sorry for the events that led to 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 intense enthusiasm and determination to win might have affected my training routine.

‘While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s only best for the sake of the program that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t permitted to provide a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the circumstance.

‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to talk about at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly family nothing however success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano attempted 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 describe himself as a ‘expert dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

And the stars who have capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

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

Ever since, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also earned a reported ₤ 200,000 charge for her stint on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For lots of fans, Oti is thought about one of Strictly’s most effective 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 wage before she left the show in 2022, and given that her exit has actually amassed a substantial fortune with a string of successful 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 best Dancer, contributing to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before joining the Strictly lineup, Oti likewise worked as an expert dancer on Strictly’s German equivalent, Let’s Dance.

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

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money deal to collaborate with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence enhancing’ underclothing range, and she and other half Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

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

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

Kevin Clifton

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

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his vehicle while trying to kickstart his performing career

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

His company Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its newest assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his car while trying to kickstart his performing profession, while juggling it with a workplace job.

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

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

‘There’s been times where I was simply getting fired from job after job – regular office jobs, just trying to sustain my dancer career.

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

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

Business: James and Ola Jordan have actually capitalized their joint weight reduction over the last few years, 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 better half Ola following suit two years lateer.

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

The couple have cashed in on their joint weight reduction in recent years, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have given that scaled down to a home more ‘appropriate’ for their child Ella.

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

They make extra cash by offering signed pictures for ₤ 9.50 while Ola provides dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC