How Strictly's Popular Dancers have Ended up In Debt

For viewers tuning into BBC's megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be best in presuming that its stars should be making a significant fortune.

Whether it be the determined hours of training, or being an on-screen component for weeks on end, the show's professional dancers have helped make the series a captivating watch throughout the autumn months.

However, while it has been assumed that Strictly professionals should make a pretty cent, and years of success, through their time on the show, for a lot of it's a wholly different story.

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor in the last few years have actually shared their battles with piling financial obligations and money concerns, with some even dealing with the prospect 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 serious financial difficulties they had actually 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 money 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 difficulties are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (pictured on the show in 2013)

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

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

The level of the couple's battles were laid bare in uncommon circumstances - during a court look last September when Kristina, 47, was caught driving without insurance.

Giving proof throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had actually made a mess of the handling of their automobile insurance coverage policy and told how he was 'combating to save his relationship and home'.

A pal of the couple told the Mail he stated: '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 chosen to go forward as separate people.

'Those near them who understand them as a couple had actually hoped they would be able to work things out but for now it's over and it looks like there's no going back.'

The couple were entrusted crippling debts after they tilled every penny 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 whatever - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

Last year the couple shared worries that they could lose their home after being struck by cash woes, with Ben laying bare their monetary problems in court (imagined in 2021)

When questioned about the pressures on his and Kristina's relationship, he said: 'We're still cohabiting. We're in it financially.

'We're in organization together so the problem is that we opened the business before Covid and we got the worst intensities of it and in all truthfully this is simply another issue for me to handle.

'I have actually got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have actually got an organization debt due to the fact that of Covid. It's just another problem.'

The was listed to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, however the action was suspended nine days later and stopped on April 28, 2023.

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

The business's accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have 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 liquified by a voluntary strike off in February this year without ever filing accounts.

A 4th business called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was likewise integrated and willingly struck off on the same dates.

A 5th business 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 just months before the Covid pandemic (pictured with Saffron Barker in 2019)

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

AJ first rose to fame as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually formerly hoped to start a new era of dance success by departing the program, the pandemic required him to cancel his planned dance tour, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the money concerns some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the show.

He stated: 'We had a company where we were running our own trip and the trip was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers due to the fact that, personally, I felt like that was the ideal thing to do. We wound up with a barrel costs which came out of our own pocket.

'We didn't make money, myself or Curtis, but we paid all of our dancers. It's a difficult choice to be made, however that's what it is when you are running your own company.

'They certainly did appreciate it. I maybe didn't appreciate the financial obligation that I was left in but, hey, it's a decision that was made.'

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his buddies believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, however, he described 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 anticipate 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 minimal business, that's not even close.

'I believe transparency is a positive thing in this day and age, but many people don't actually wish to speak about their financial resources.

'And I think individuals are intrigued by money. People love to see numbers and enjoy 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 thrown into a variety of huge money deals and AJ states some individuals have no idea how to deal with that sort of sum of cash.

Former I'm A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis 'wish to make a distinction' and have set up 'using our own money' a financial investment business called FINT to help to 'inform' individuals.

AJ ended up being really open about how sometimes the TV bookings and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars need to discover how to 'adapt' their career.

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his pals believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, as after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is nowhere near that

He continued: 'It's truly hard I think in our market, the show business and a great deal of other markets right now because a lot of people 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 really first wage on Strictly I've constantly had that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't work in 6 months time, I do have cash there that I can make use of if I need it.

'And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It's simply often needing to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is hard however you do have to adapt often.

'It is necessary that individuals enter into these huge programs that they're taking pleasure in however 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 cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no different and is frequently snapped back into the 'real life' as he's seen the remarkable boost in daily items.

He described: 'Every day I'm reminded reality. I brought up at the gas pump today and the diesel was 10p more pricey due to choices that have actually been made much higher 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 people forget, the cost of living and inflation's gone up.

'Even when inflation comes down, it does not mean that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a great deal of people this year and I don't think it's going to get any simpler.'

Robin Windsor

Despite pulling in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically died with simply ₤ 879 in his business's company account

Despite drawing in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his business's service account.

The dancer was discovered dead in a London hotel in February in 2015, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed his firm 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 nearly ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed financial institutions ₤ 15,000, indicating it was ₤ 8,350 in the red.

At the height of his celeb in 2015 and 2016 he held more than ₤ 23,000 in the company and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was paid back.

The company had actually transported incomes from a 'wide array of agreements to offer carrying out arts services within the media industry', paperwork stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had actually been working on a Fred Olsen Cruise - alongside fellow Strictly professional Gordana Grandosek Whiddon - and published images 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 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 actually not traded for some time (envisioned on the show in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he earned 'silly money', telling This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were when paid ₤ 10,000 each to stay in a luxury resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an occasion. Our dance lasted two minutes.'

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

He stated: 'All of a sudden, 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 program such as the trip and personal performances.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so 'bitter' about not being permitted 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 considerably sacked by managers in 2015 following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was when thought about a favourite among Strictly fans, but in 2015 he was considerably sacked by employers following claims of gross misconduct towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later confirmed and regretted his actions against Zara.

Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Di Prima wrote on Instagram: 'I deeply are sorry for the occasions that caused my departure from Strictly.

Strictly Come Dancing rich list: The expert dancers waltzing all the method to the bank after making MILLIONS thanks to the program

'My intense enthusiasm and decision to win may have affected my training program.

'While respecting 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 enabled to offer 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 unable to talk about at this time, however I am committed to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly household nothing however success in the future.'

Following his departure from the show, Graziano tried to cash on his appearances on the show, 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 capitalized their Strictly success ...

Oti Mabuse

For numerous fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly's most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Ever since, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise made a reported ₤ 200,000 charge 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 champion for 2 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 given that her exit has collected a substantial fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Since then, 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 set up in February 2017, and has actually listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money deal to work together with Bravissimo on a 'confidence increasing' underwear variety, and she and husband Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of assets in four private companies, which they co-own. including the property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of in 2015.

And Oti has only included to her fortune in current months by appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was apparently paid a ₤ 200,000 fee.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champion in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the program in 2020, has moneyed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn't constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his car while trying to start his carrying out career

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

His company Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its latest assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after costs.

However, the dancer has actually formerly shared that it hasn't always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his carrying out career, while handling it with a workplace job.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he stated: 'If there's no one there, I'll sleep in my car and then I can afford two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

'I invested loads of time oversleeping my vehicle - essentially living out of my vehicle - 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 just getting fired from task after job - regular office tasks, just attempting to sustain my dancer profession.

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

'I'm going to need to blag it with the instructor and say," Oh, there's been an issue at the bank. I'm going to have to provide you the cash on my next lesson." James and Ola Jordan

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

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his better half Ola doing the same 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 actually capitalized their joint weight loss in recent years, setting up a fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have given that downsized to a home more 'appropriate' for their child Ella.

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

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC