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

For audiences tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be right in assuming that its stars should be earning a significant fortune.

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

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

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have actually shared their battles with stacking financial obligations and money concerns, with some even dealing with the possibility of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff become the newest 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 troubles they had recently experienced are thought to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars’ incomes to reveal the reality about how for lots of, the cash stops as quickly 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 (pictured on the show in 2013)

Kristina formerly appeared on Strictly as an expert from 2008 to 2015, making headings when she started a love 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 troubles 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 caught driving without insurance.

Giving evidence during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had mishandled the handling of their vehicle insurance coverage and told how he was ‘combating to conserve his relationship and home’.

A pal of the couple informed 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 family, they have chosen to go forward as different individuals.

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

The couple were entrusted crippling financial obligations 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 combat not to lose everything – to lose my cars and trucks and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being struck by money problems, 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 financially.

‘We stay in business together so the problem is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all truthfully this is simply another problem for me to deal with.

‘I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a service financial obligation since of Covid. It’s simply another problem.’

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

Records likewise 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 represent 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 submitting accounts.

A 4th company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other people was likewise incorporated and voluntarily struck off on the very same dates.

A fifth company called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred 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 increased to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic (imagined with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has considering that shed light on the cash problems 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 fame as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually previously wished to start a new age of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his planned dance tour, plunging himself and brother Curtis into debt.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ shed light on the cash concerns some Strictly stars can deal with 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 since, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We ended up with a barrel bill which came out of our own pocket.

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

‘They definitely did value it. I maybe didn’t value the debt that I was left in however, hey, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his good friends think he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, however, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is no place near that.

The dancer stated: ‘I think a great deal of people 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 restricted business, that’s not even close.

‘I believe openness is a positive thing in this day and age, however most people do not actually desire to discuss their financial resources.

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

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

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a difference’ and have actually set up ‘utilizing our own cash’ a monetary investment firm called FINT to help to ‘educate’ people.

AJ became extremely open about how often the TV bookings and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars need to learn how to their profession.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his pals 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 truly tough I believe in our industry, the home entertainment industry and a lot of other markets today because a lot of individuals are being laid off. It does use your mental 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 have actually always had 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 make use of if I need it.

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

‘It is necessary that people enter into these huge programs that they’re delighting in however 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, people are facing the cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is routinely snapped back into the ‘genuine world’ as he’s observed the dramatic boost in everyday products.

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

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more costly from the other day to today’, like that’s insane. I think individuals forget, the expense of living and inflation’s increased.

‘Even when inflation comes down, it doesn’t imply that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a great deal of individuals this year and I do not think it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

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

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

The dancer was discovered dead in a London hotel in February last year, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed 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 business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed nearly ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, however owed lenders ₤ 15,000, meaning 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 business, which was paid back.

The business had actually channelled incomes from a ‘wide range of contracts to supply performing arts services within the media market’, documents said.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had been working on 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 pertained 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 company had actually not traded for some time (imagined on the show in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he earned ‘ridiculous cash’, 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 event. 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 said: ‘Suddenly, I was earning cash I had just dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not simply from Strictly however from work off the back of the program such as the trip and private performances.

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

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin said he ended up being so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he could not bear to view it, and he went into a ‘consistent decrease’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by managers in 2015 following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was when considered a preferred amongst Strictly fans, however in 2015 he was drastically sacked by bosses following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later validated and regretted his actions versus Zara.

Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘ravaged’ Di Prima composed 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 way to the bank after making MILLIONS thanks to the program

‘My extreme passion and determination to win may have impacted my training regime.

‘While appreciating 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 permitted 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, but I am devoted to being strong for my household and pals. I wish the Strictly household absolutely 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 capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For numerous fans, Oti is thought about among Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for two 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 cost for her stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For many fans, Oti is thought about one of Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion 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 considering that her exit has generated a substantial fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Since then, she has 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 established with her partner Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has actually noted properties of ₤ 510,953, according to its most current accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in 4 private companies, which they co-own. including the residential or commercial property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of 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 reportedly paid a ₤ 200,000 fee.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champion in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the program in 2020, has actually cashed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, exposing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his car while trying to start 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 possessions with ₤ 42,234 staying after expenses.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his carrying out profession, while managing it with a workplace job.

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

‘I invested loads of time oversleeping my automobile – basically living out of my vehicle – 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 job after job – normal workplace jobs, just attempting to sustain my dancer profession.

‘I was essentially looking in my wallet going, I’ve simply been fired from another task. 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 teacher and state,” Oh, there’s been an issue at the bank. I’m going to need to offer you the cash on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

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

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

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

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

The pair offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have actually considering that scaled down to a home more ‘appropriate’ for their child Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC