How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

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

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

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly experts should make a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for most it’s an entirely various story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in the last few years have actually shared their battles with stacking debts and money concerns, with some even dealing with the prospect of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the current stars to be struck by the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious financial troubles they had actually recently experienced are thought to have lagged their split.

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The couple were entrusted to crippling debts after they tilled 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 fight not to lose whatever – to lose my automobiles and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being hit by cash problems, with Ben laying bare their financial woes in court (imagined in 2021)

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

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

‘I’ve 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 issue.’

The business was noted to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, however the action was suspended nine days later on and ceased 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 effectively ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into account future liabilities, in its last accounts for the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The business’s accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have still not been submitted and are now almost 29 months past due.

Another company called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is likewise owned by the Soo Yoga Group, was set up in December 2021 and dissolved 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 three other individuals was also incorporated and willingly struck off on the exact same dates.

A fifth business 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 almost 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ initially increased to fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic (envisioned with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has because clarify the cash concerns 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 popularity as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually formerly wanted to start a new era of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic required him to cancel his planned dance tour, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash problems 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 interrupted. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I felt like that was the ideal thing to do. We wound up with a barrel bill 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 choice to be made, but that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

‘They certainly did appreciate it. I possibly didn’t appreciate the financial obligation that I was left in however, hello, it’s a choice that was made.’

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

The dancer stated: ‘I believe a lot 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 minimal company, that’s not even close.

‘I believe openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but many people do not truly wish to discuss their finances.

‘And I think individuals are fascinated by money. People like to see numbers and enjoy to see nice things, and a great deal 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 huge cash deals and AJ says some individuals have no concept how to handle that sort of amount of money.

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘want to make a distinction’ and have actually set up ‘using our own cash’ a financial investment company called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ ended up being really open about how sometimes the TV reservations and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars need to discover how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his good friends 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 hard I believe in our market, the show business and a lot of other industries today since a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does play on your psychological health if you don’t have that next job.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested money, from my very first salary on Strictly I have actually constantly had that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t work in six 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 just often having to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adjust a bit. Adapting is hard but you do have to adjust in some cases.

‘It is essential that individuals 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 professional dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.’

Every day, individuals are dealing with the expense of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s noticed the remarkable boost in everyday items.

He described: ‘Each and 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 higher up than my paycheck. That’s the real life.

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

‘Even when inflation comes down, it doesn’t indicate that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a lot of people this year and I do not believe 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 business’s service account

Despite drawing in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away with just ₤ 879 in his business’s organization account.

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

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed nearly ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but owed financial institutions ₤ 15,000, implying it was ₤ 8,350 in the red.

At the height of his star 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 company had actually transported incomes from a ‘variety of agreements to offer carrying out arts services within the media industry’, paperwork stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had been dealing with a Fred Olsen Cruise – alongside fellow Strictly professional Gordana Grandosek Whiddon – and posted 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 came to an end after the 12th series in 2014.

The dancer was discovered dead in a London hotel in February, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his firm had actually not traded for a long time (visualized on the show in 2013)

He also remembered one time he earned ‘silly cash’, informing This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were as soon as paid ₤ 10,000 each to stay in a luxury 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 financial life was 2010, ‘my first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He said: ‘All of a sudden, I was making cash I had just dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not just from Strictly but from work off the back of the show such as the trip and personal efficiencies.

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

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

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by bosses in 2015 following claims of gross misconduct towards his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was as soon as thought about a preferred amongst Strictly fans, but last year he was considerably sacked by bosses following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the program, a ‘ravaged’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.

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

‘My intense passion and determination to win might have impacted my training regime.

‘While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s just ideal for the sake of the show that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn’t permitted 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 talk about at this time, however I am to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly household nothing however success in the future.’

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

And the stars who have cashed in on their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

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

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

For numerous fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly’s most effective 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 since her exit has actually generated a big fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Ever since, she has actually looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was also a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The Greatest 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 properties of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of properties in 4 private companies, which they co-own. consisting of the residential or commercial property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of last year.

And Oti has actually just contributed to her fortune in current 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 champion in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the show in 2020, has cashed in with a string of phase roles

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his vehicle 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 declared ₤ 104,993 in its most current properties with ₤ 42,234 staying after expenses.

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his automobile while trying to start his performing profession, while managing it with an office task.

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

‘I spent loads of time sleeping in my cars and truck – generally living out of my car – and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People believe we live these easy, showbiz, glamorous lives and it’s not like that.

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

‘I was generally searching in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another job. I have actually got four lessons tomorrow; I currently can’t pay for 2 of them.

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

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight-loss recently, setting up a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

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

James has actually 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 actually capitalized their joint weight reduction in the last few years, establishing a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have 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 properties and ₤ 465,002 after expenses.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC