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How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

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

Whether it be the tireless hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture 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 must earn a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for a lot of it’s a wholly various story.

Pros who have bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have shared their battles with stacking financial obligations and cash issues, with some even facing the prospect of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff become the most recent stars to be struck by the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the serious financial troubles they had recently experienced are believed to have lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine 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 troubles are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (pictured on the program in 2013)

Kristina previously appeared on Strictly as a professional from 2008 to 2015, making headings when she started a love with her celeb partner Ben Cohen.

However, last year, the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being struck by cash issues, with Ben laying bare their monetary woes in court.

The extent of the couple’s battles were laid bare in uncommon situations – throughout a court look 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 actually made a mess of the handling of their vehicle insurance plan and told how he was ‘combating to save 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 torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have actually selected to go forward as separate people.

‘Those near 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 looks like there’s no going back.’

The couple were left with crippling debts after they tilled every penny they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis throughout 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 home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being struck by money problems, with Ben laying bare their monetary troubles in court (pictured in 2021)

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

‘We’re in business together so the problem is that we opened the service before Covid and we got the worst intensities of it and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to deal with.

‘I’ve got charge card that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got a company debt since of Covid. It’s just another problem.’

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

Records likewise expose that a food services company 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 represent the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The company’s accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been filed and are now nearly 29 months overdue.

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

A 4th business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was also integrated and voluntarily struck off on the exact same dates.

A 5th company called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, 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 initially increased to fame 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 since clarify the cash problems some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

AJ first increased to fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually previously wished to start a brand-new era of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance trip, plunging himself and bro Curtis into debt.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ clarified the money issues some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the show.

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 seemed like that was the right thing to do. We ended 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 choice to be made, however that’s what it is when you are running your own .

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

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies think 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 said: ‘I think a lot 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 company, that’s not even close.

‘I believe transparency is a favorable thing in this day and age, however many people don’t really wish to speak about their financial resources.

‘And I believe people are fascinated by money. People enjoy to see numbers and enjoy 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 thrown into a number of huge 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 exposed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a difference’ and have actually set up ‘using our own cash’ a monetary investment firm called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ people.

AJ became very open about how in some cases the TV reservations and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars have to find out how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies think 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 really hard I think in our market, the entertainment market and a lot of other markets right now because 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 invested money, 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 task 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 constantly jobs out there. It’s just often having to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is difficult however you do have to adjust often.

‘It is essential that individuals go into these big shows that they’re taking pleasure in but 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 confessed he is no different and is regularly snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s noticed the remarkable boost in everyday items.

He described: ‘Every single day I’m brought back to reality. I pulled up at the fuel pump today and the diesel was 10p more expensive due to choices that have been made much greater up than my paycheck. That’s the real life.

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

‘Even when inflation boils down, it doesn’t imply that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be tough for a lot of people this year and I do not believe it’s going to get any easier.’

Robin Windsor

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

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

The dancer was discovered dead in a London hotel in February in 2015, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his firm had actually 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 practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed financial institutions ₤ 15,000, implying 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 paid back.

The company had actually directed earnings from a ‘variety of contracts to offer performing arts services within the media industry’, documents stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had been dealing with a Fred Olsen Cruise – together with fellow Strictly expert Gordana Grandosek Whiddon – and posted photos 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 exposed his firm had not traded for a long time (visualized 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 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 generating income I had just dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not just from Strictly however from work off the back of the program 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 enabled to return that he couldn’t bear to watch it, and he entered into a ‘consistent decline’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was when considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, however in 2015 he was significantly sacked by managers following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later verified and regretted his actions against Zara.

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

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

‘My intense passion and determination to win may have affected my training routine.

‘While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn’t enabled 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 not able to discuss at this time, however I am committed to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly family nothing however success in the future.’

Following his departure from the show, Graziano attempted 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 refer to 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 numerous fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

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

For numerous fans, Oti is considered among 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 salary before she left the program in 2022, and given that her exit has actually generated a huge 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, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before signing up with 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 established with her spouse Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has actually noted assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in four personal business, which they co-own. consisting of the residential or commercial property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of last year.

And Oti has actually only contributed to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Celeb 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 show in 2020, has actually moneyed in with a string of phase functions

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his cars and truck while trying to kickstart his performing profession

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

His firm Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its latest possessions with ₤ 42,234 staying after expenses.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, exposing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his cars and truck while attempting to start his carrying out career, while juggling 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 vehicle and then I can pay for 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I invested loads of time sleeping in my automobile – generally 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 just getting fired from task after task – regular office jobs, simply trying to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was generally searching in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another job. I’ve got 4 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 capitalized their joint weight-loss over the last few years, setting up a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

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

The pair offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have actually since scaled down to a home more ‘appropriate’ for their child Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC