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 should be earning a significant 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 captivating watch throughout the fall months.

However, while it has been assumed that Strictly specialists need to earn a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for many it’s a completely various story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their struggles with piling debts and money concerns, with some even dealing with the possibility of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the current stars to be struck by the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the extreme monetary troubles they had just recently experienced are thought to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars’ paychecks to expose the fact about how for lots of, the cash 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 financial difficulties are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (imagined on the show in 2013)

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

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

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

Giving proof throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had bungled the handling of their vehicle insurance plan and told how he was ‘combating to save his relationship and home’.

A buddy of the couple informed 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 family, they have actually chosen to go forward as separate people.

‘Those near to them who know them as a couple had actually hoped they would have the ability 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 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 fight not to lose everything – to lose my cars and trucks and my home and my relationship. I’m so overdrawn.’

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being struck by cash troubles, with Ben laying bare their financial troubles in court (visualized in 2021)

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

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

‘I’ve got credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got a service debt since of Covid. It’s simply another issue.’

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

Records also reveal that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was effectively ₤ 6,633 in the red, taking into account future liabilities, in its last represent the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The company’s represent the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months overdue.

Another company called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is likewise owned by the Soo Yoga Group, was established in December 2021 and dissolved 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 very same dates.

A 5th company called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, taking into consideration future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are also nearly 29 months overdue, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ initially increased to popularity as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic (pictured with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has given that clarify the cash issues some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

AJ first rose to popularity as a candidate on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had formerly wished to kickstart a new age of dance success by departing the show, the pandemic required him to cancel his scheduled dance trip, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into debt.

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash troubles 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 because, personally, I felt like that was the ideal thing to do. We wound 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 to be made, but that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

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

AJ stated it is hard when a great deal of his friends believe he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, however, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is nowhere near that.

The dancer stated: ‘I think a lot of individuals expect you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and instantly be a millionaire. Once you’ve paid your tax and your VAT, and if you’re a minimal business, that’s not even close.

‘I believe openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but many people don’t truly desire to speak about their financial resources.

‘And I believe individuals are intrigued by money. People like to see numbers and like to see good things, and a great deal of times you need to live within your own methods.’

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

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis ‘desire to make a distinction’ and have established ‘using our own cash’ a financial investment firm called FINT to help to ‘educate’ individuals.

AJ became very open about how sometimes 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 great deal of his good 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 market, the entertainment market and a lot of other markets today due to the fact that a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does play on your mental health if you don’t have that next job.

‘Myself and Curtis have invested money, from my extremely first pay check on Strictly I’ve always had that cash invested into different portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t work in 6 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 tasks out there. It’s simply sometimes needing to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is hard but you do have to adjust sometimes.

‘It is essential that individuals enter 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, individuals are facing the expense of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no various and is regularly snapped back into the ‘genuine world’ as he’s noticed the dramatic increase in everyday products.

He discussed: ‘Each and every single day I’m brought back to reality. I brought 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 crazy. I think individuals forget, the expense of living and inflation’s increased.

‘Even when inflation boils down, it doesn’t indicate that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a lot of individuals this year and I do not think it’s going to get any simpler.’

Robin Windsor

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

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

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

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but 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 paid back.

The business had funnelled earnings from a ‘variety of contracts to provide carrying out arts services within the media industry’, paperwork said.

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

Robin formerly informed how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year throughout his time on Strictly which came 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 exposed his company had not traded for a long time (envisioned on the show in 2013)

He likewise recalled one time he earned ‘ridiculous 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 event. Our dance lasted two minutes.’

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

He said: ‘Suddenly, I was generating income I had just 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, everybody desires a little slice of you.’

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

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was drastically sacked by bosses in 2015 following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was once considered a favourite among Strictly fans, however last year he was considerably sacked by bosses following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the program, a ‘ravaged’ Di Prima composed on Instagram: ‘I deeply regret the events that resulted in my departure from Strictly.

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

‘My extreme enthusiasm and determination to win may have impacted my training regime.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s only ideal for the sake of the show that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn’t enabled to offer a quote to the online newspaper article, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the circumstance.

‘There’s more to this story that I am unable to go over at this time, but I am devoted to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly household nothing however success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano tried to cash on his looks 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 ‘professional 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 among Strictly’s most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has actually appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise earned a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For lots of fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly’s most effective 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 program in 2022, and since her exit has collected a substantial fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Ever since, she has actually looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC’s The best 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 listed as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she established with her other half Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has actually noted assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its most current accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money deal to team up with Bravissimo on a ‘confidence enhancing’ underwear variety, and she and hubby Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

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

And Oti has only added to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Celeb 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 cashed in with a string of phase functions

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his cars and truck while attempting to start his carrying out career

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

His firm Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its most current possessions with ₤ 42,234 remaining after costs.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his automobile while attempting to kickstart his carrying out career, while managing it with a workplace job.

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

‘I invested loads of time sleeping in my car – generally living out of my car – and having no work. It’s not all glamour. People think we live these simple, showbiz, glamorous lives and it’s not like that.

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

‘I was generally searching in my wallet going, I’ve simply been fired from another task. I have actually got four 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 a problem at the bank. I’m going to have to provide you the money on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have capitalized their joint weight-loss in recent years, establishing a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe

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

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

The couple have cashed in on their joint weight reduction recently, establishing a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

The pair sold their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have actually since scaled down to a home more ‘suitable’ for their child Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC