How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Ended up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be right in presuming that its stars must be making a substantial fortune.

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

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly professionals must make a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for most it’s a completely various story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor recently have actually shared their struggles with piling financial obligations and money concerns, with some even facing the prospect of losing their homes.

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

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

Kristina Rihanoff

How Strictly’s popular dancers have actually wound up in debt – as Kristina Rihanoff’s financial problems are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (pictured on the program in 2013)

Kristina formerly appeared on Strictly as an expert from 2008 to 2015, making headlines when she started a romance with her star partner Ben Cohen.

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

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

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had mishandled the handling of their vehicle insurance coverage and informed how he was ‘combating to save his relationship and home’.

A buddy of the couple informed the Mail he stated: ‘The past 6 months have been hell for them and it has actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have actually chosen to go forward as different people.

‘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 debilitating financial obligations after they ploughed every cent they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis throughout 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 automobiles and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

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

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

‘We stay in business together so the problem is that we opened the organization before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all truthfully this is just another problem for me to handle.

‘I’ve got charge card that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got a business debt due to the fact that of Covid. It’s simply another issue.’

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 also expose that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was successfully ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into account future liabilities, in its last represent the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The company’s accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been filed and are now almost 29 months overdue.

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 4th business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was likewise integrated and voluntarily struck off on the very same dates.

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

AJ Pritchard

AJ first rose to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic (visualized with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has given that shed light on the cash concerns some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ first rose to popularity as a candidate on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually previously hoped to start a brand-new period of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic required him to cancel his planned dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into debt.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash troubles some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the program.

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

‘We didn’t earn money, 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 company.

‘They definitely did value it. I perhaps didn’t appreciate the financial obligation that I was left in but, hi, it’s a decision that was made.’

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

The dancer said: ‘I believe a lot of individuals expect 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 limited business, that’s not even close.

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

‘And I think people are fascinated by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and like to see great things, and a great deal of times you require to live within your own means.’

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 people have no idea how to deal with that type of sum of money.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a difference’ and have actually set up ‘using our own cash’ a financial investment company called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ ended up being extremely open about how sometimes the TV reservations and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars have to find out how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his pals believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, as after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is nowhere near that

He continued: ‘It’s really difficult I think in our industry, the home entertainment market and a great deal of other markets today because a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does use your mental health if you do not have that next job.

‘Myself and Curtis have invested cash, from my extremely first wage on Strictly I’ve always had actually that money 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 always jobs out there. It’s just in some cases having to change what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is hard however you do need to adjust often.

‘It is necessary that people go into these huge shows that they’re taking pleasure in but they have an occupation behind them like myself and Curt. We’re both expert dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.’

Every day, people are dealing with the cost of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real world’ as he’s seen the dramatic increase in daily products.

He discussed: ‘Every single day I’m brought back to truth. I brought up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to choices that have actually been made much higher up than my income. That’s the genuine world.

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more pricey from the other day to today’, like that’s crazy. I think individuals forget, the expense of living and inflation’s gone up.

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

Robin Windsor

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

Despite drawing in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically died with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s business 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 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, but owed lenders ₤ 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 business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was repaid.

The company had funnelled earnings from a ‘large variety of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media market’, paperwork 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 told how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year during his time on Strictly which concerned 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 firm had not traded for some time (envisioned on the show in 2013)

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

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

He said: ‘All of a sudden, I was making money I had only dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not just from Strictly however from work off the back of the show such as the trip and private performances.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin said he ended up being so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he couldn’t bear to enjoy it, and he entered into a ‘constant decline’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was as soon as considered a favourite among Strictly fans, but last year he was significantly sacked by employers following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.

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

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

‘My extreme enthusiasm and decision to win might have affected my training regime.

‘While appreciating the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s just best for the sake of the program that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t allowed to use a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the situation.

‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my household and good friends. I want the Strictly household absolutely nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano tried to cash on his looks 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 champion for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Ever since, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise made a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For many fans, Oti is considered one of 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 income before she left the program in 2022, and since her exit has accumulated a substantial fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Since then, she has actually looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was also 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 also worked as an expert dancer on Strictly’s German equivalent, Let’s Dance.

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

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money deal to collaborate with Bravissimo on a ‘self-confidence improving’ underwear variety, and she and other half Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in 4 personal business, which they co-own. including the property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties since last year.

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

Kevin Clifton

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

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his cars and truck while trying to start his carrying out 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 firm Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its latest assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after costs.

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his automobile while attempting to start his performing profession, while managing it with a workplace task.

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

‘I invested loads of time oversleeping my vehicle – generally 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 simply getting fired from job after task – typical office jobs, just trying to sustain my dancer career.

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

‘I’m going to need to blag it with the 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 over the last few years, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his better half Ola doing the same two years lateer.

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

The couple have actually capitalized their joint weight reduction in current years, setting up 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 actually because scaled down to a home more ‘ideal’ for their daughter Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC