How Strictly’s Popular Dancers have actually Ended up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC’s megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be best 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 program’s expert dancers have helped make the series a fascinating watch throughout the fall months.

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

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor recently have actually shared their battles with piling debts and cash problems, with some even facing the possibility of losing their homes.

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

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

However, in 2015, the couple shared worries that they might lose their home after being hit by money concerns, with Ben laying bare their financial troubles in court.

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

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had mishandled the handling of their car insurance coverage policy and told how he was ‘combating to conserve his relationship and home’.

A friend of the couple informed the Mail he stated: ‘The previous 6 months have actually been hell for them and it has actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have selected to go forward as different people.

‘Those near to them who know 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 crippling debts after they ploughed every penny they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis during the Covid pandemic.

In a tortuously frank admission Ben informed the court: ‘I get up every day and I battle not to lose whatever – to lose my vehicles and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

Last year the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being hit by cash troubles, with Ben laying bare their financial troubles in court (pictured in 2021)

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

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

‘I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got an organization debt since of Covid. It’s just another issue.’

The company was noted to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended 9 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 effectively ₤ 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 represent the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months past due.

Another business called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is also 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 submitting accounts.

A fourth business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by three other individuals was likewise integrated and willingly 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, considering future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise almost 29 months past due, 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 program just months before the Covid pandemic (pictured with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has since shed light on the cash 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 popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic.

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

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

He stated: ‘We had a company where we were running our own tour and the tour was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We wound up with a VAT costs 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 hard choice to be made, however that’s what it is when you are running your own company.

‘They absolutely did appreciate it. I maybe didn’t value the debt that I was left in but, hello, it’s a decision that was made.’

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his pals 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 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 minimal company, that’s not even close.

‘I think openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but many people do not really want to discuss their financial resources.

‘And I believe individuals are intrigued by cash. People like to see numbers and love 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 thrown into a variety of huge money offers and AJ says some individuals have no concept how to handle that kind of sum of cash.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘want to make a difference’ and have actually set up ‘using our own cash’ a monetary investment business called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ people.

AJ ended up being really open about how often the TV bookings and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars have to find out how to ‘adjust’ their profession.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his good 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 actually hard I think in our industry, the entertainment industry and a lot of other markets today since a lot of individuals are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you do not have that next task.

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

‘And at the end of the day, there are always jobs out there. It’s simply sometimes needing to change what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is tough however you do have to adjust in some cases.

‘It is necessary that people go into these huge shows that they’re delighting in however they have a profession behind them like myself and Curt. We’re both expert dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.’

Every day, people are dealing with the expense of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no different and is frequently snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s seen the remarkable increase in everyday products.

He explained: ‘Every day I’m reminded truth. I pulled up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to decisions that have been made much higher up than my income. That’s the real world.

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

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

Robin Windsor

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

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

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but owed lenders ₤ 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 company, which was repaid.

The business had channelled profits from a ‘wide range of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media industry’, documentation said.

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 images 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 concerned 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 exposed his company had actually not traded for some time (pictured on the show in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he made ‘silly cash’, informing This Is Money: ‘My dance partner and I were when 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 2 minutes.’

He remembered in September 2022 that the ‘finest’ year of his monetary life was 2010, ‘my very first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He said: ‘All of an abrupt, I was making money I had 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 tour and personal efficiencies.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin said he became so ‘bitter’ about not being enabled to return that he could not bear to see it, and he entered into a ‘steady decrease’ after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was significantly sacked by employers last year following claims of gross misconduct towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was as soon as considered a preferred amongst Strictly fans, however in 2015 he was significantly 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 ‘ravaged’ Di Prima wrote on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret 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 making MILLIONS thanks to the show

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

‘While appreciating the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it’s only right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn’t enabled to use a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the sensitivity of the situation.

‘There’s more to this story that I am not able to go over at this time, however I am committed to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly family absolutely nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the show, Graziano tried to cash on his appearances on the program, with customised 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 cashed in on their Strictly success …

Oti Mabuse

For lots of fans, Oti is thought about among 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 looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also made 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 successful 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 accumulated a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Ever since, she has actually 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 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 husband Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has actually noted assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money offer to work together with Bravissimo on a ‘self-confidence boosting’ underwear range, and she and hubby Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of assets in 4 personal companies, which they co-own. including the property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties since in 2015.

And Oti has actually only included to her fortune in recent 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 show in 2020, has moneyed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his car while attempting to start his carrying out profession

Since leaving Strictly in 2020, Kevin Clifton has actually 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 assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his performing career, while handling it with an office job.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s no one there, I’ll oversleep my vehicle and after that I can pay for two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time sleeping in my automobile – generally 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 simply getting fired from job after task – typical office tasks, just attempting to sustain my dancer career.

‘I was basically searching in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another job. I have actually got 4 lessons tomorrow; I currently can’t spend for 2 of them.

‘I’m going to have to blag it with the instructor and say,” Oh, there’s been a problem at the bank. I’m going to have to give you the money on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have actually capitalized their joint weight loss in current years, 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 spouse Ola doing the same 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 cashed in on their joint weight-loss in current years, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The pair sold their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have considering that scaled down to a home more ‘appropriate’ for their daughter Ella.

Much of their earnings 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 selling signed images for ₤ 9.50 while Ola uses dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC