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 assuming that its stars should be earning a large 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 actually assisted make the series a fascinating watch throughout the fall months.

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly experts should earn a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for a lot of it’s an entirely various story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their battles with piling debts 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 hit by the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious financial difficulties they had actually just recently experienced are thought to have actually lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars’ paychecks to expose the truth about how for many, the money 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 program 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 worries that they might lose their home after being struck by money concerns, with Ben laying bare their financial issues in court.

The level of the couple’s struggles were laid bare in unusual circumstances – during 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 made a mess of the handling of their cars and truck insurance coverage and informed 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 actually been hell for them and it has actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have actually selected to go forward as separate 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 appears like there’s no going back.’

The couple were entrusted debilitating debts after they tilled 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 battle not to lose everything – to lose my vehicles and my house and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being hit by money troubles, with Ben laying bare their monetary concerns in court (imagined in 2021)

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

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

‘I have actually got charge card that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a service debt because of Covid. It’s simply another problem.’

The business was noted 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 likewise reveal that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 percent 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 company’s represent the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now almost 29 months past due.

Another company 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 filing accounts.

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

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

AJ Pritchard

AJ first rose to popularity as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic (visualized with Saffron Barker in 2019)

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

AJ initially increased to fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had previously hoped to start a new age of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance tour, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ shed light on the cash issues some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the show.

He said: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the trip was cut short. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I seemed like that was the right thing to do. We ended up with a VAT costs 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 tough choice to be made, however that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

‘They absolutely did value it. I possibly 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 great deal of his pals believe 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 think a great deal of individuals 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 business, that’s not even close.

‘I think openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, however many people do not truly desire to talk about their finances.

‘And I believe individuals are interested by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and like to see nice things, and a lot of times you need to live within your own means.’

After leaving programs such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a variety of huge cash offers and AJ states some individuals have no concept how to deal with that kind of amount of cash.

Former I’m A Celeb star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘want to make a difference’ and have actually established ‘utilizing our own money’ a financial investment company called FINT to help to ‘inform’ people.

AJ ended up being extremely open about how in some cases the TV bookings and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to learn how to ‘adapt’ 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 nowhere near that

He continued: ‘It’s really difficult I believe in our industry, the show business and a lot of other markets right now due to the fact that 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 invested cash, from my really first pay check on Strictly I have actually constantly had that money invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t have a job 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 always tasks out there. It’s simply in some cases having to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is hard but you do need to adapt often.

‘It is very important that individuals go into these huge programs 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, individuals are facing the expense of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no different and is routinely snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s seen the significant boost in everyday products.

He discussed: ‘Each and every single day I’m reminded truth. I pulled up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to choices that have been made much greater up than my income. That’s the real world.

‘I was like, ‘What 10p more expensive from yesterday to today’, like that’s insane. I think individuals forget, the expense of living and inflation’s gone up.

‘Even when inflation boils down, it does not mean that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a great deal of people this year and I don’t believe it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

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

Despite drawing in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with simply ₤ 879 in his company’s business 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 company had actually not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was facing an ‘active proposition’ to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, but owed lenders ₤ 15,000, meaning 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 company, which was paid back.

The company had transported incomes from a ‘variety of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media industry’, documentation said.

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

Robin previously 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 found 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 (envisioned on the program in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he earned ‘silly money’, informing 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 occasion. Our dance lasted two 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 said: ‘Suddenly, I was making money I had actually only dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year – not simply from Strictly but from work off the back of the show such as the trip and personal efficiencies.

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

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin said he ended up being so ‘bitter’ about not being allowed to return that he couldn’t bear to view it, and he entered into a ‘stable decline’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was significantly sacked by bosses last year following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was once considered a preferred amongst Strictly fans, however in 2015 he was dramatically sacked by employers following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the show, a ‘devastated’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply are sorry for the events that led to my departure from Strictly.

Strictly Come Dancing abundant list: The expert dancers waltzing all the method to the bank after earning MILLIONS thanks to the show

‘My intense passion and decision to win might have impacted my training program.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only ideal for the sake of the program that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t permitted to provide a quote to the online newspaper article, 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, but I am devoted to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly household absolutely nothing but 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 describe himself as a ‘professional dancer on Strictly’ on his profile.

And the stars who have actually capitalized their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For many fans, Oti is thought about among Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

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

For numerous 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 income before she left the show in 2022, and given that her exit has actually accumulated a big fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Ever since, she has looked like 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 likewise 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 established with her partner Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has actually listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in 4 personal business, 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 Celeb Get Me Out Of Here! where she was supposedly paid a ₤ 200,000 cost.

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 actually previously shared that it hasn’t always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his car while trying to start 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 company Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its newest assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after bills.

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

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he stated: ‘If there’s nobody there, I’ll sleep in my vehicle and after that I can afford two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time sleeping in my vehicle – basically living out of my cars and truck – 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 task after task – typical office tasks, just attempting to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was basically looking in my wallet going, I’ve simply been fired from another task. I’ve got 4 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 a problem at the bank. I’m going to have to give you the cash on my next lesson. » James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight reduction over the last few years, establishing a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his better half Ola following match 2 years lateer.

James has actually 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 actually cashed in on their joint weight reduction in recent years, establishing a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

The pair offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have given that downsized to a home more ‘suitable’ 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 properties and ₤ 465,002 after bills.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC