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

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

Whether it be the tireless 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 autumn months.

However, while it has actually been assumed that Strictly specialists should make a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for a lot of it’s a wholly different story.

Pros who have actually bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have shared their struggles with piling debts and cash issues, 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 hit by the infamous ‘Strictly curse’ after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the extreme monetary troubles they had actually just recently experienced are believed to have actually lagged their split.

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

However, in 2015, the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being struck by cash troubles, with Ben laying bare their monetary problems in court.

The extent of the couple’s battles were laid bare in unusual circumstances – during a court appearance last September when Kristina, 47, was captured driving without insurance coverage.

Giving evidence during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had actually made a mess of the handling of their vehicle insurance policy and told 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 torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have picked to go forward as different people.

‘Those near to them who understand them as a couple had 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 to 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 automobiles 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 cash troubles, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court (visualized in 2021)

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

‘We stay in business together so the problem is that we opened business 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 credit cards that are overdrawn. I’m overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt since of Covid. It’s simply another problem.’

The company was noted to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended 9 days later on and stopped 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 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 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 submitting accounts.

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

A fifth business called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 in the red, taking into consideration future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise almost 29 months overdue, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

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

But AJ has considering that clarify the money problems some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ first rose 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 previously hoped to kickstart a brand-new era of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his planned dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking with MailOnline, AJ clarified the money woes some Strictly stars can face after leaving the program.

He said: ‘We had a business where we were running our own tour and the trip was cut brief. We paid all of our dancers because, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We wound up with a VAT expense 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 hard decision to be made, but that’s what it is when you are running your own business.

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

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his buddies think he’s a ‘millionaire’ after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that.

The dancer stated: ‘I believe a great deal of individuals anticipate 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 restricted business, that’s not even close.

‘I think openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, but the majority of people don’t really desire to speak about their finances.

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

After leaving programs such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a variety of huge money deals and AJ says some people have no concept how to deal with that sort of amount of cash.

Former I’m A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis ‘desire to make a difference’ and have established ‘using our own money’ a monetary investment firm called FINT to assist to ‘educate’ people.

AJ ended up being really open about how in some cases the TV reservations and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to discover how to ‘adapt’ their profession.

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his buddies 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 truly difficult I think in our industry, the home entertainment industry and a great deal of other markets right now because a lot of individuals are being laid off. It does play on your mental health if you do not have that next task.

‘Myself and Curtis have actually invested money, from my very first salary on Strictly I have actually constantly had that cash invested into different portfolios. Therefore, if I didn’t work 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 always jobs out there. It’s just sometimes having to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is difficult however you do have to adjust often.

‘It is necessary that people enter into these huge shows that they’re enjoying but 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 dealing with the expense of and AJ admitted he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the ‘real life’ as he’s discovered the significant boost in everyday items.

He described: ‘Every single day I’m reminded reality. I pulled up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to decisions that have actually been made much greater up than my income. That’s the real life.

‘I resembled, ‘What 10p more expensive 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 does not mean that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a lot of individuals this year and I do not believe 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 business account

Despite pulling in an outstanding ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his business’s company account.

The dancer was found dead in a London hotel in February in 2015, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his company had not traded for some 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 practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but 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 repaid.

The business had funnelled profits from a ‘wide array of contracts to supply performing arts services within the media industry’, paperwork said.

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

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

He likewise remembered one time he made ‘silly cash’, telling 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 remembered in September 2022 that the ‘finest’ year of his monetary life was 2010, ‘my first year on Strictly Come Dancing’.

He said: ‘All of a sudden, 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 program such as the tour and private performances.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so ‘bitter’ about not being allowed to return that he couldn’t bear to watch it, and he went into a ‘steady decline’ after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was drastically sacked by employers last year following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous celeb 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 bosses following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott.

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

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

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

‘My intense passion and determination to win may have impacted my training regime.

‘While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it’s just ideal for the sake of the program that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn’t allowed to provide a quote to the online newspaper article, 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 dedicated to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly family absolutely nothing but success in the future.’

Following his departure from the program, Graziano attempted to cash on his looks on the show, 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 lots of fans, Oti is considered among Strictly’s most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Ever since, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also earned a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For lots of fans, Oti is thought about one of 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 salary before she left the show in 2022, and since her exit has generated a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Ever since, she has appeared as 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 also worked as a professional dancer on Strictly’s German equivalent, Let’s Dance.

Oti is noted as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she established with her husband Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has actually listed possessions of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of properties in 4 personal business, which they co-own. including the property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties as of last year.

And Oti has only contributed to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I’m A Star Get Me Out Of Here! where she was reportedly paid a ₤ 200,000 fee.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champ 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 actually previously shared that it hasn’t constantly been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his automobile while trying to start his performing profession

Since leaving Strictly in 2020, Kevin Clifton has actually required to the stage, performing in Strictly Ballroom, Rock of Ages and War of the Worlds.

His company Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its most current properties with ₤ 42,234 staying after bills.

However, the dancer has actually formerly shared that it hasn’t always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his car while trying to start his carrying out career, while handling it with a workplace task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: ‘If there’s no one there, I’ll sleep in my cars and truck and after that I can afford 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

‘I spent loads of time oversleeping my car – generally living out of my automobile – 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 job after job – typical workplace jobs, simply attempting to sustain my dancer profession.

‘I was generally looking in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another task. I’ve 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 state,” Oh, there’s been an issue at the bank. I’m going to need to provide you the cash on my next lesson.” James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have actually capitalized their joint weight reduction in the last few years, establishing a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

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

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

The couple have cashed in on their joint weight-loss in the last few years, setting up a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The set sold their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have actually considering that scaled down to a home more ‘ideal’ 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 assets and ₤ 465,002 after bills.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC