About Us

How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

For audiences tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be ideal in presuming that its stars need to be making a hefty fortune.

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

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly experts need to earn a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for most it’s an entirely various story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor in the last few years have shared their battles with piling debts and cash troubles, 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 infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious monetary difficulties they had actually recently experienced are thought to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ incomes to reveal the truth about how for many, the cash stops as quickly as the ballroom lights go dark …

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

However, last year, the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being hit by cash problems, with Ben laying bare their financial troubles in court.

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

Giving evidence throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had actually made a mess of the handling of their automobile insurance policy and informed how he was ‘combating to conserve his relationship and home’.

A good friend of the couple informed the Mail he said: ‘The past 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 picked to go forward as separate people.

‘Those close to them who understand 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 debilitating debts 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 fight not to lose everything – to lose my vehicles and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being hit by money problems, with Ben laying bare their financial woes 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 economically.

‘We’re in business together so the issue is that we opened the service before Covid and we got the worst severities 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 got a company financial obligation since of Covid. It’s just another issue.’

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

Records also reveal that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was effectively ₤ 6,633 in the red, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last accounts for 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 overdue.

Another company called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is likewise 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 filing accounts.

A fourth company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was likewise included and willingly struck off on the same dates.

A 5th 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 almost 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ initially increased to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic (visualized with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has considering that shed light on the money issues some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into debt when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

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

While the star had formerly wished to start a brand-new age of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic required him to cancel his scheduled dance tour, plunging himself and brother Curtis into debt.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash troubles some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the show.

He stated: ‘We had a business where we were running our own tour and the tour was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers because, personally, I seemed like that was the best thing to do. We ended up with a barrel bill 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 tough decision to be made, however that’s what it is when you are running your own company.

‘They certainly did appreciate it. I possibly didn’t value the debt that I was left in however, hi, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his friends 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 nowhere near that.

The dancer said: ‘I think a great deal of individuals expect you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and immediately be a millionaire. Once you have actually paid your tax and your VAT, and if you’re a limited company, that’s not even close.

‘I think openness is a positive thing in this day and age, however the majority of people don’t really wish to talk about their financial resources.

‘And I believe people are interested by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and love to see good things, and a lot of times you require to live within your own methods.’

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

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘wish to make a distinction’ and have established ‘using our own money’ a financial investment business called FINT to help to ‘inform’ individuals.

AJ ended up being extremely open about how in some cases the TV bookings and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars need to find out how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies believe 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 actually hard I think in our market, the show business and a great deal of other markets today since 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 invested money, from my extremely first salary on Strictly I have actually always had actually that money invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a task in six 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 tasks out there. It’s just often having to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is hard however you do need to adapt in some cases.

‘It’s crucial that individuals enter into these huge programs that they’re enjoying 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, individuals are dealing with the expense of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the ‘genuine world’ as he’s discovered the significant boost in everyday products.

He explained: ‘Each and every single day I’m brought back to truth. I brought up at the petrol 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 life.

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

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

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away 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 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 business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed creditors ₤ 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 paid back.

The business had actually channelled profits from a ‘wide range of contracts to provide performing arts services within the media industry’, documentation stated.

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

Robin formerly told how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year during 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 a long time (pictured on the program in 2013)

He also recalled one time he made ‘silly 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 event. Our dance lasted 2 minutes.’

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

He stated: ‘All of an unexpected, I was generating income 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 desires a little piece of you.’

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin stated he ended up being so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he couldn’t bear to view it, and he entered into a ‘steady decrease’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by managers in 2015 following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celeb 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 considerably sacked by managers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the program, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the occasions that led to 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 might have impacted my training routine.

‘While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s just right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t permitted to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the circumstance.

‘There’s more to this story that I am not able to talk about at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my household and good friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the show, Graziano tried to cash on his appearances on the show, 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 capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For lots of 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

Since then, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise made a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For lots of fans, Oti is considered among Strictly’s most successful 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 income before she left the program in 2022, and considering that her exit has actually collected 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 joining 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 husband Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has noted properties of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in four private companies, which they co-own. consisting of the property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of in 2015.

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

However, the dancer has actually previously 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 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 newest assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after expenses.

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

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 afford two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

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

‘I was essentially searching in my wallet going, I have actually just 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 have to provide you the cash on my next lesson. » James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have capitalized their joint weight loss recently, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his wife 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 variation and won Dancing On Ice in 2019.

The couple have capitalized their joint weight-loss in the last few years, establishing a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have actually considering that downsized to a home more ‘suitable’ for their daughter Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC