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 must be earning a significant fortune.

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

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly experts need to make a pretty cent, and years of success, through their time on the show, for a lot of it’s a wholly various story.

Pros who have actually bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor recently have actually shared their battles with piling financial obligations and cash troubles, with some even facing the prospect of losing their homes.

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

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ incomes to reveal the fact about how for numerous, 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 troubles are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (visualized on the program in 2013)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The couple were entrusted to debilitating debts after they ploughed every penny 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 everything – to lose my cars and trucks and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being hit by money concerns, with Ben laying bare their financial woes in court (imagined in 2021)

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

‘We’re in service 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 issue for me to handle.

‘I have actually got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a company debt due to the fact that of Covid. It’s just another issue.’

The company was listed to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended nine days later 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 successfully ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into account future liabilities, in its last represent the period ending on July 31, 2020.

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

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

A fourth business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by three other individuals was likewise incorporated and voluntarily struck off on the very same dates.

A fifth company called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, considering future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise almost 29 months overdue, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

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

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

AJ initially rose to fame as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had formerly hoped to start a new age of dance success by departing the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his planned dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

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

He said: ‘We had a company where we were running our own trip and the trip 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 barrel expense 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 hard choice to be made, however that’s what it is when you are running your own company.

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

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

The dancer stated: ‘I believe a great deal of individuals 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 company, that’s not even close.

‘I think transparency is a favorable thing in this day and age, but the majority of people do not truly wish to discuss their finances.

‘And I think people are intrigued by cash. People love to see numbers and enjoy to see nice things, and a lot of times you need to live within your own means.’

After leaving shows such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were thrown into a number of big cash deals and AJ states some people have no concept how to handle that sort of sum of money.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a distinction’ and have actually established ‘using our own money’ a monetary investment firm called FINT to help to ‘inform’ people.

AJ ended up being extremely open about how sometimes the TV reservations and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to find out how to ‘adapt’ their profession.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot 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 industry, the show business and a great deal of other markets today due to the fact that a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does play on your psychological health if you do not have that next job.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested cash, from my very first pay check on Strictly I’ve constantly had actually that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a task 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 tasks out there. It’s simply sometimes needing to change what it is you think you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is hard but you do have to adjust often.

‘It’s essential that people enter into these big shows that they’re delighting in however 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 facing the expense of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the ‘real world’ as he’s observed the significant boost in everyday items.

He explained: ‘Every day I’m brought back to truth. I pulled up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more pricey due to decisions that have actually been made much greater up than my paycheck. That’s the real world.

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

‘Even when inflation boils down, it doesn’t mean that it returns 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 drawing in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with just ₤ 879 in his company’s company account

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

The dancer was found dead in a London hotel in February last year, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his company had not traded for some 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 lenders ₤ 15,000, suggesting 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 company and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the company, which was repaid.

The company had actually directed profits from a ‘variety of agreements to offer performing arts services within the media industry’, paperwork said.

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

Robin previously told how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year during 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 exposed his firm had not traded for some time (imagined on the show in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he made ‘ridiculous cash’, 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 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 cash I had actually only 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 tour and private performances.

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

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

Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was once considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but in 2015 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 program, a ‘ravaged’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret 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 making MILLIONS thanks to the program

‘My extreme enthusiasm and decision to win may have impacted my training routine.

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

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

Following his departure from the show, 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 ‘expert dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

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

Oti Mabuse

For many 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

Ever since, 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 Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For numerous fans, Oti is thought about one of Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ 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 actually generated 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 likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before joining 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 set up with her partner Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has actually listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its most current accounts.

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money offer to team up with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence enhancing’ underclothing range, and she and spouse Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of assets in four personal business, which they co-own. consisting of the home firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties since last year.

And Oti has actually only included 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 fee.

Kevin Clifton

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

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t always 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 actually taken to the phase, carrying out in Strictly Ballroom, Rock of Ages and War of the Worlds.

His company Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its newest assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after bills.

However, the dancer has actually formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in 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 oversleep my vehicle and then I can manage 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 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 job – typical office jobs, just attempting to sustain my dancer career.

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

‘I’m going to have to blag it with the teacher and say,” Oh, there’s been an issue at the bank. I’m going to have to give you the money on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight reduction in recent years, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his wife Ola doing the same 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-loss in the last few years, establishing a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

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

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC