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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 need to be earning a substantial 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 helped make the series a captivating watch throughout the fall months.

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly specialists should make a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for many it’s an entirely various story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor recently have shared their battles with stacking financial obligations and cash woes, with some even dealing with the of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the current stars to be hit by the notorious ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the extreme financial troubles they had actually just recently experienced are believed to have actually lagged their split.

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

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

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

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

A buddy of the couple informed the Mail he said: ‘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 selected to go forward as separate individuals.

‘Those near them who know them as a couple had 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 crippling debts after they ploughed every cent 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 everything – to lose my cars and trucks and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared worries that they might lose their home after being hit by money issues, with Ben laying bare their monetary concerns in court (envisioned in 2021)

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

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

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

Records also expose that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 percent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was successfully ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into account future liabilities, in its last accounts for the period 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 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 submitting accounts.

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

A fifth business called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, considering 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 rose to fame as a contestant 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 since clarify the cash woes some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

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

While the star had actually previously wished to start a brand-new period of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his planned dance tour, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ shed light on the money concerns some Strictly stars can face after leaving the show.

He said: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the tour was cut short. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I felt 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 earn 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 company.

‘They certainly did value it. I perhaps didn’t value the financial obligation that I was left in but, hi, it’s a choice that was made.’

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies think he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he discussed that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is nowhere near that.

The dancer stated: ‘I believe a great deal of people 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 believe openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but a lot of people don’t really wish to speak about their finances.

‘And I believe people are intrigued by cash. People like to see numbers and enjoy to see nice things, and a great deal of times you need to live within your own ways.’

After leaving shows such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were thrown into a number of big cash offers and AJ states some individuals have no concept how to manage that kind of sum of cash.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘want to make a distinction’ and have established ‘utilizing our own money’ a financial investment firm called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ ended up being very open about how sometimes the TV reservations and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars need to find out how to ‘adapt’ their career.

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his friends believe 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 think in our industry, the entertainment industry and a great deal of other industries right now since a great deal of people are being laid off. It does play on your mental health if you do not have that next job.

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

‘And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It’s simply often needing to change what it is you think you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is tough but you do need to adjust in some cases.

‘It is necessary that individuals enter into these big shows that they’re enjoying 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 cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s observed the remarkable increase in everyday items.

He explained: ‘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 expensive due to decisions that have been made much greater up than my paycheck. That’s the real world.

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

‘Even when inflation comes down, it does not imply that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a lot of individuals this year and I don’t believe it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically died with just ₤ 879 in his business’s service account.

The dancer was found dead in a London hotel in February in 2015, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his firm had actually not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was dealing with an ‘active proposal’ to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed financial institutions ₤ 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 repaid.

The business had channelled earnings from a ‘wide array of contracts to supply 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 – along with fellow Strictly expert Gordana Grandosek Whiddon – and posted photos of himself when the boat docked in South Africa.

Robin formerly 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 found dead in a London hotel in February, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his firm had not traded for a long time (pictured on the program in 2013)

He also recalled one time he earned ‘ridiculous money’, 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 kept in mind in September 2022 that the ‘best’ year of his monetary life was 2010, ‘my first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He said: ‘All of an unexpected, I was generating income I had only 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 tour and personal efficiencies.

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

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he could not bear to enjoy it, and he entered into a ‘stable decrease’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was drastically sacked by employers last year following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was when considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but last year he was significantly sacked by bosses following claims of gross misconduct towards his former 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 are sorry for 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 making MILLIONS thanks to the show

‘My extreme enthusiasm and decision to win may have affected my training program.

‘While appreciating 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 allowed 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 talk about at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my family and friends. I wish the Strictly household absolutely nothing however success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano tried to cash on his appearances 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 thought about among Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has actually looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also earned a reported ₤ 200,000 cost for her stint on I’m A Celebrity 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 2 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 collected a huge fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Ever since, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was also a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The best Dancer, contributing to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before signing up with the Strictly lineup, Oti also worked as a professional 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 hubby Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has actually listed possessions of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money offer to team up with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence improving’ underclothing variety, and she and other half Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

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

And Oti has just added to her fortune in current months by appearing on I’m A Star 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 cashed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his carrying out career

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

His company Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its latest possessions with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, exposing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to start his carrying out career, while juggling it with a workplace task.

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 afford two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time oversleeping my automobile – generally living out of my vehicle – and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People believe we live these easy, showbiz, attractive lives and it’s not like that.

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

‘I was generally looking in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another job. I’ve got four lessons tomorrow; I already can’t pay for 2 of them.

‘I’m going to need 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 money on my next lesson.» James and Ola Jordan

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

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his spouse Ola following fit two years lateer.

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

The couple have capitalized their joint weight reduction in current years, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

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

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC