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How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Ended up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be ideal in assuming that its stars must be making a substantial fortune.

Whether it be the determined hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture for weeks on end, the show’s professional dancers have assisted make the series a fascinating watch throughout the fall months.

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

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor in recent years have actually shared their battles with piling financial obligations and cash concerns, with some even dealing with the prospect of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the most recent stars to be struck by the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the serious financial troubles they had just recently experienced are believed to have actually been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ incomes to reveal the fact about how for lots of, the money 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 difficulties are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (pictured on the show in 2013)

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

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

The degree of the couple’s struggles were laid bare in uncommon circumstances – throughout a court look last September when Kristina, 47, was captured driving without insurance coverage.

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had actually bungled the handling of their cars and truck insurance coverage and informed how he was ‘battling to conserve his relationship and home’.

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

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

The couple were entrusted to debilitating debts 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 told the court: ‘I get up every day and I combat not to lose everything – to lose my automobiles and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being hit by cash problems, with Ben laying bare their financial concerns in court (imagined in 2021)

When questioned about the pressures 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 seriousness of it and in all truthfully this is simply 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 service financial obligation since of Covid. It’s just another issue.’

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

Records also expose that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was efficiently ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last represent the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The business’s accounts for 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 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 three other individuals was also included 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 also nearly 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ first increased to fame as a candidate 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 considering that shed light on the cash woes some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ initially increased to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually formerly wanted to start a brand-new period of dance success by departing the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into debt.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash problems some Strictly stars can face after leaving the show.

He said: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the trip was cut brief. We paid all of our dancers because, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We ended up with a barrel expense which came out of our own pocket.

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

‘They certainly did value it. I maybe didn’t appreciate the debt that I was left in but, hello, 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, however, he described that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that.

The dancer stated: ‘I think a great deal of people anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and quickly be a millionaire. Once you’ve paid your tax and your VAT, and if you’re a restricted company, that’s not even close.

‘I believe openness is a positive thing in this day and age, however the majority of people do not really wish to talk about their financial resources.

‘And I believe individuals are interested by money. People enjoy to see numbers and love to see good things, and a great deal of times you require to live within your own means.’

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

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a difference’ and have actually established ‘utilizing our own money’ a financial investment company called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ became extremely open about how often the TV reservations and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars have to discover how to ‘adjust’ their career.

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

He continued: ‘It’s really tough I think in our industry, the entertainment market and a lot of other industries today since a lot of people are being laid off. It does play on your psychological health if you do not have that next task.

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

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

‘It is essential that individuals enter into these big shows that they’re taking pleasure in but they have an occupation 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 confessed he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘genuine world’ as he’s noticed the dramatic increase in daily products.

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

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more costly from yesterday to today’, like that’s crazy. I believe individuals forget, the cost of living and inflation’s increased.

‘Even when inflation comes down, it does not mean that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a lot of people this year and I don’t think it’s going to get any much easier.’

Robin Windsor

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

Despite drawing in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s service 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 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 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 company, which was repaid.

The company had actually funnelled earnings from a ‘wide range of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media market’, documentation said.

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

Robin previously 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 discovered dead in a London hotel in February, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his company had not traded for a long time (imagined on the show in 2013)

He also remembered one time he made ‘ridiculous cash’, telling This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were once 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 kept in mind in September 2022 that the ‘best’ year of his financial life was 2010, ‘my very first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He stated: ‘Suddenly, I was earning money I had just dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not simply from Strictly however from work off the back of the program such as the tour and private efficiencies.

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

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being allowed to return that he couldn’t bear to watch it, and he went into a ‘steady decrease’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by employers 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 appearances on the show, with customised video messages on Cameo

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

The dancer later validated and regretted his actions against Zara.

Addressing his exit from the program, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the events that led to 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 program

‘My intense passion and determination to win might have impacted my training regime.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s just right 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 not able to talk about at this time, however I am devoted 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 tried to cash on his looks 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 ‘expert dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

And the stars who have actually capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For lots of fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

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

For lots of fans, Oti is considered among 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 program in 2022, and because her exit has collected a substantial fortune with a string of successful 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 Greatest Dancer, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before joining the Strictly lineup, Oti also 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 hubby Marius Iepure, which was established 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 team up with Bravissimo on a ‘self-confidence enhancing’ underclothing range, and she and other half Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of properties in 4 private business, which they co-own. consisting of the home company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in assets since in 2015.

And Oti has only added to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was reportedly paid a ₤ 200,000 fee.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champ 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 formerly shared that it hasn’t always been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his automobile while 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 properties with ₤ 42,234 remaining after bills.

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t always been simple, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his vehicle while attempting to start his carrying out profession, while handling it with an office task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he stated: ‘If there’s nobody there, I’ll oversleep my cars and truck and after that I can pay for two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time oversleeping my cars and truck – basically living out of my automobile – and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People think we live these easy, showbiz, glamorous lives and it’s not like that.

‘There’s been times where I was just getting fired from job after task – normal office tasks, simply trying to sustain my dancer profession.

‘I was essentially searching in my wallet going, I have actually simply been fired from another task. I have actually got four lessons tomorrow; I already can’t spend for two of them.

‘I’m going to need to blag it with the instructor and state, » Oh, there’s been an issue 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 cashed in on their joint weight loss over the last few years, establishing a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his other half Ola following suit two years lateer.

James has actually 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 capitalized their joint weight reduction in the last few years, establishing a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

The set sold their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have because scaled down to a home more ‘ideal’ for their child Ella.

Much of their income is funnelled through their company 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 photos for ₤ 9.50 while Ola provides dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC