How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be ideal in assuming that its stars need to be earning a significant fortune.

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

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly professionals should earn a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for the majority of it’s a completely different story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have actually shared their struggles with stacking debts and money issues, with some even dealing with the possibility 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 revealed it was the serious monetary difficulties they had recently experienced are believed to have actually been behind their split.

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

However, in 2015, the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being hit by money issues, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court.

The extent of the couple’s struggles were laid bare in unusual circumstances – during 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, admitted he had actually 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 told the Mail he said: ‘The previous 6 months have been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have selected to go forward as separate people.

‘Those near them who know them as a couple had actually hoped they would have the ability to work things out however for now it’s over and it looks like there’s no going back.’

The couple were entrusted debilitating debts after they ploughed every penny they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis during the Covid pandemic.

In a tortuously frank admission Ben told the court: ‘I get up every day and I fight not to lose whatever – to lose my automobiles and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the fears that they could lose their home after being struck by cash concerns, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court (envisioned 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 stay in business 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 simply another problem for me to handle.

‘I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business financial obligation 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 likewise expose that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was successfully ₤ 6,633 in the red, taking into consideration 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 still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months past due.

Another company 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 company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by three other individuals was also integrated and willingly struck off on the exact same dates.

A fifth business called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 in the red, taking into account 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 rose to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic (visualized with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has considering that clarify the money issues some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

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

While the star had actually formerly hoped to kickstart a new period of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his scheduled dance tour, plunging himself and bro Curtis into debt.

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

He said: ‘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 seemed like that was the right thing to do. We wound up with a VAT 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 decision to be made, but that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

‘They definitely did value it. I possibly 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 great deal of his good friends believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, however, 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 individuals 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 restricted business, that’s not even close.

‘I believe transparency is a favorable thing in this day and age, but the majority of people don’t actually wish to discuss their financial resources.

‘And I think individuals are captivated by cash. People like to see numbers and love to see good 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 number of big cash offers and AJ says some people have no concept how to manage that sort of amount of cash.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a distinction’ and have actually set up ‘utilizing our own money’ a monetary investment company called FINT to assist to ‘inform’ people.

AJ ended up being very open about how often the TV bookings and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to learn how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ stated 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 tough I believe in our market, the show business and a great deal of other industries right now since a great deal of people are being laid off. It does use your mental health if you do not have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested money, from my very first pay check on Strictly I’ve constantly had that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a task in 6 months time, I do have money there that I can draw on if I require it.

‘And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It’s simply in some cases having to change what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is difficult however you do have to adjust sometimes.

‘It is essential that individuals go into these big shows that they’re enjoying however 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, individuals are dealing with the cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s seen the significant increase in everyday products.

He described: ‘Every 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 been made much higher up than my paycheck. That’s the real life.

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

‘Even when inflation boils down, it does not mean that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a lot of individuals 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 tragically died with just ₤ 879 in his business’s business account

Despite pulling in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s company 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 dealing with an ‘active proposition’ to be struck off.

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

The business had carried revenues from a ‘wide array of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media industry’, documentation said.

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

Robin previously 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 exposed his company had actually not traded for a long time (visualized on the show in 2013)

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

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

He stated: ‘Suddenly, I was earning money I had actually just 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 tour and personal efficiencies.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he ended up being so ‘bitter’ about not being permitted to return that he could not bear to see it, and he entered into a ‘stable decline’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by bosses last year 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 when thought about a preferred among Strictly fans, however last year he was considerably sacked by bosses following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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

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

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

‘My extreme passion and decision to win may have affected 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 allowed 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 discuss at this time, but I am dedicated to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly household nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano tried to cash on his looks on the program, 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 actually 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 actually appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also earned a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For numerous fans, Oti is considered among 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 given that her exit has actually amassed a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Since then, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The best Dancer, adding 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 listed 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 actually listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money offer to work together with Bravissimo on a ‘self-confidence boosting’ 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 private business, which they co-own. consisting of the property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions since last year.

And Oti has actually just included to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Celeb Get Me Out Of Here! where she was reportedly 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 cashed in with a string of phase functions

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his automobile while attempting to start his performing career

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 most current assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after bills.

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his vehicle while trying to kickstart his performing career, while managing it with an office job.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s nobody there, I’ll sleep in my automobile and then I can manage two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I invested loads of time oversleeping my vehicle – basically 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 task after task – normal workplace tasks, simply trying to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was generally looking in my wallet going, I’ve simply been fired from another task. I have actually got 4 lessons tomorrow; I currently can’t pay for two of them.

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

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight reduction over the last few years, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

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

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

The couple have actually capitalized their joint weight loss recently, establishing a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have considering that scaled down to a home more ‘ideal’ for their daughter Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC