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

For audiences tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be best in assuming that its stars should be earning 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 fascinating watch throughout the autumn months.

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly specialists should earn a quite cent, and years of success, through their time on the show, for most it’s an entirely different story.

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

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

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars’ incomes to expose the truth about how for lots of, the cash stops as quickly as the ballroom lights go dark …

Kristina Rihanoff

How Strictly’s popular dancers have wound up in debt — as Kristina Rihanoff’s monetary problems are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (imagined on the show 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, last year, the couple shared worries that they might lose their home after being struck by money problems, with Ben laying bare their monetary concerns in court.

The extent of the couple’s battles were laid bare in uncommon situations — throughout a court appearance last September when Kristina, 47, was caught driving without insurance.

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had actually bungled the handling of their car insurance plan and informed how he was ‘fighting to save his relationship and home’.

A good friend of the couple informed the Mail he said: ‘The past 6 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 chosen to move forward as separate individuals.

‘Those close to them who know 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 entrusted debilitating financial obligations after they tilled 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.’

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

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

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

‘I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a service debt because of Covid. It’s just another problem.’

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

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

The company’s represent the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been filed and are now almost 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 dissolved 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 3 other individuals was likewise integrated and willingly struck off on the same dates.

A 5th 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 likewise nearly 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ first increased to popularity 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 given that clarify the money concerns 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 fame as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had previously intended to start a new era of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic required him to cancel his scheduled dance trip, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into financial obligation.

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

He stated: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the tour was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers due to the fact that, personally, I felt like that was the ideal thing to do. We wound up with a barrel expense which came out of our own pocket.

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

‘They certainly did appreciate 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 great deal of his good friends 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 stated: ‘I think a great deal 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 do not actually desire to talk about their financial resources.

‘And I think individuals are interested by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and like to see good things, and a lot of times you need to live within your own ways.’

After such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were thrown into a variety of big cash deals and AJ says some individuals have no idea how to manage that sort of amount of cash.

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

AJ ended up being really open about how in some cases the TV bookings and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars have to find out how to ‘adapt’ their profession.

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 hard I think in our market, the show business and a great deal of other industries today since a great deal of people are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you don’t have that next job.

‘Myself and Curtis have invested cash, from my extremely first pay check on Strictly I’ve always had actually that money invested into different portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a job 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 always tasks out there. It’s just in some cases having to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is tough however you do have to adjust sometimes.

‘It’s crucial that people go into these big programs 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, people are dealing with the cost of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the ‘genuine world’ as he’s seen the dramatic increase in everyday products.

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

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

‘Even when inflation boils down, it doesn’t indicate that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a great deal of individuals this year and I don’t believe it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling 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 discovered dead in a London hotel in February last year, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his company had actually not traded for some time and according to Companies House Records was dealing with an ‘active proposition’ to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed financial institutions ₤ 15,000, indicating 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 business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the company, which was repaid.

The company had directed incomes from a ‘broad range of agreements to provide performing arts services within the media market’, documents stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had been working on a Fred Olsen Cruise — together with fellow Strictly expert Gordana Grandosek Whiddon — and published photos 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 pertained 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 firm had not traded for some time (visualized on the program in 2013)

He also remembered one time he earned ‘silly money’, telling 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 remembered in September 2022 that the ‘finest’ year of his monetary life was 2010, ‘my very first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He stated: ‘All of an abrupt, I was earning cash I had actually only dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year — not simply from Strictly but from work off the back of the program such as the trip and private performances.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being allowed to return that he could not bear to see it, and he went into a ‘constant decrease’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was significantly sacked by employers in 2015 following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was as soon as considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but in 2015 he was dramatically sacked by employers following claims of gross misconduct towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.

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

Strictly Come Dancing abundant list: The professional dancers waltzing all the method to the bank after making MILLIONS thanks to the show

‘My extreme passion and determination to win might have affected my training program.

‘While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s only best for the sake of the program that I step away. I am distressed 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 go over at this time, but I am devoted to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly household absolutely 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 refer to himself as a ‘professional dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

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

Oti Mabuse

For numerous 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 earned a reported ₤ 200,000 charge for her stint on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For lots of fans, Oti is thought about 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 wage before she left the show in 2022, and considering that her exit has collected a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

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

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

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money offer to work together with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence improving’ underclothing range, and she and other half Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in four personal companies, which they co-own. including the property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties as of last year.

And Oti has actually only included to her fortune in current months by appearing on I’m A Celeb 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 show in 2020, has cashed in with a string of phase roles

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his vehicle while trying to kickstart his performing career

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

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

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

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s no one there, I’ll oversleep my vehicle and after that I can manage two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I invested loads of time sleeping in my vehicle — essentially living out of my cars and truck — and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People believe 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 — regular office jobs, simply attempting to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was essentially searching in my wallet going, I’ve just been fired from another job. I’ve got 4 lessons tomorrow; I currently can’t spend for 2 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 have to provide you the cash on my next lesson.» James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have actually capitalized their joint weight reduction recently, setting up a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his better half Ola following fit two years lateer.

James has 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 cashed in on their joint weight loss in current years, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

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

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

They earn money by selling signed images for ₤ 9.50 while Ola offers dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC