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

For viewers 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 determined hours of training, or being an on-screen component for weeks on end, the program’s professional dancers have actually assisted make the series a captivating watch throughout the autumn months.

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly professionals should make a pretty cent, and years of success, through their time on the program, for many it’s a wholly different story.

Pros who have bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in the last few years have actually shared their battles with piling debts and cash problems, with some even facing the possibility of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and become the current stars to be struck by the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious financial difficulties they had actually just recently experienced are thought to have actually lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ paychecks to reveal the truth about how for lots of, the money stops as soon as the ballroom lights go dark …

Kristina Rihanoff

How Strictly’s popular dancers have actually ended up in debt – as Kristina Rihanoff’s monetary problems are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (visualized on the show in 2013)

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

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

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

Giving evidence throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had actually mishandled the handling of their cars and truck insurance plan and informed how he was ‘fighting to save his relationship and home’.

A pal of the couple told the Mail he stated: ‘The past 6 months have actually been hell for them and it has actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have picked to move forward as separate people.

‘Those near 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 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 everything – to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being hit by money issues, with Ben laying bare their monetary issues in court (imagined in 2021)

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

‘We’re in service together so the problem 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 deal with.

‘I have actually got charge card that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got a company financial obligation due to the fact that 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 terminated 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 in the red, considering future liabilities, in its last accounts for 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 company 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 business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was likewise included and voluntarily struck off on the exact same dates.

A 5th business called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 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 almost 29 months overdue, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ first rose to popularity as a contestant 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 clarify the money woes some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

AJ first rose to popularity as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had formerly intended to kickstart a brand-new period of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic required him to cancel his planned dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into debt.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ shed light on the money concerns some Strictly stars can face after leaving the program.

He stated: ‘We had a company where we were running our own trip and the trip was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers because, personally, I felt like that was the best thing to do. We wound up with a VAT costs 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 absolutely did appreciate it. I perhaps didn’t value the financial obligation that I was left in however, hi, it’s a choice that was made.’

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his buddies believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he described that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is no place near that.

The dancer said: ‘I think a lot of people expect you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and instantly be a millionaire. Once you’ve 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 many people do not truly desire to talk about their financial resources.

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

After leaving programs such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were thrown into a number of big money offers and AJ states some people have no idea how to manage that kind of amount of cash.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘desire to make a distinction’ and have actually set up ‘utilizing our own cash’ a monetary investment company called FINT to help to ‘inform’ individuals.

AJ ended up being very open about how often the TV bookings 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 buddies think 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 actually difficult I think in our industry, the entertainment industry and a great deal of other markets right now due to the fact that a lot of individuals are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you don’t have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested cash, from my very first wage on Strictly I have actually constantly had actually that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a job 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 constantly jobs out there. It’s just often having to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is tough but you do have to adapt often.

‘It is very important that individuals enter into these huge shows that they’re taking pleasure in however they have a profession 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 routinely snapped back into the ‘real world’ as he’s observed the remarkable increase in daily products.

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

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

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

Robin Windsor

Despite drawing in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with just ₤ 879 in his company’s service account

Despite drawing in a remarkable ₤ 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 not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was facing an ‘active proposal’ to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 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 star in 2015 and 2016 he held more than ₤ 23,000 in the company and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was repaid.

The business had actually channelled incomes from a ‘wide array of contracts to provide carrying out arts services within the media market’, paperwork stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had actually 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 previously informed 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 discovered dead in a London hotel in February, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his company had not traded for some time (pictured on the show in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he earned ‘ridiculous money’, telling This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were when paid ₤ 10,000 each to remain in a high-end resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an event. Our dance lasted 2 minutes.’

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

He stated: ‘All of a sudden, I was making money I had only dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not just from Strictly however from work off the back of the show such as the tour and personal 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 enabled to return that he could not bear to view it, and he went into a ‘steady decrease’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was as soon as considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but in 2015 he was significantly sacked by employers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later on verified and regretted his actions against Zara.

Addressing his exit from the program, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply are sorry for the events that resulted in my departure from Strictly.

Strictly Come Dancing abundant list: The professional 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 respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s just best for the sake of the show that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn’t enabled to use 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 discuss at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my family and friends. I want the Strictly household nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the show, Graziano attempted to cash on his looks on the program, 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 cashed in on their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For many fans, Oti is thought about among Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise earned a reported ₤ 200,000 cost for her stint on I’m A Celeb Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For numerous fans, Oti is thought about one of Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion 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 because her exit has amassed a big 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 signing up with 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 established with her spouse Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has listed possessions of ₤ 510,953, according to its most current accounts.

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

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

And Oti has only included to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was supposedly 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 moneyed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his car while attempting to start 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 latest properties with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his performing career, while juggling it with an office task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s nobody there, I’ll oversleep my cars and truck and then I can manage 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time sleeping in my vehicle – generally living out of my cars and truck – 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 task – regular workplace tasks, simply trying to sustain my dancer profession.

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

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

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight reduction recently, setting up a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each 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 couple of years later on for the All Stars version and won Dancing On Ice in 2019.

The couple have actually cashed in on their joint weight-loss in the last few years, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The pair sold their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have given that 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 bills.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC