How Strictly's Popular Dancers have Ended up In Debt

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

Whether it be the tireless hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture for weeks on end, the program's expert dancers have actually helped make the series a fascinating watch throughout the autumn months.

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly experts must make a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for a lot of it's a completely different story.

Pros who have bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have shared their battles with stacking debts and money problems, with some even dealing with 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 serious financial troubles they had recently experienced are believed to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars' paychecks to expose the truth about how for lots of, the cash 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 monetary problems are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (visualized on the program in 2013)

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

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

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

Giving evidence throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, admitted he had mishandled the handling of their cars and truck insurance coverage policy and told how he was 'battling to save his relationship and home'.

A friend of the couple told the Mail he stated: 'The previous 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 selected to move forward as separate individuals.

'Those close to them who know 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 left with debilitating 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 informed the court: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my cars and trucks and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

Last year the couple shared worries that they might lose their home after being struck by cash concerns, with Ben laying bare their monetary issues in court (visualized 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 problem is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst severities of it and in all honestly this is just another issue for me to deal with.

'I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a company 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 9 days later on 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 account future liabilities, in its last accounts for the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The company's represent the year ending in July 2021 have 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 filing accounts.

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

A 5th company called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred 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 first increased to popularity as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic (imagined with Saffron Barker in 2019)

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

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

While the star had actually formerly wished to kickstart a new era of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance tour, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into financial obligation.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash woes some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the program.

He said: 'We had a business where we were running our own tour and the trip was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I seemed 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 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 absolutely did value it. I possibly didn't value the financial obligation that I was left in but, hey, it's a decision that was made.'

AJ stated it is hard when a lot of his friends believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he discussed that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is nowhere near that.

The dancer said: 'I think a great deal of individuals anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and quickly 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 think transparency is a positive thing in this day and age, but the majority of individuals don't really wish to speak about their finances.

'And I think individuals are captivated by money. People enjoy to see numbers and love to see good things, and a lot of times you require to live within your own means.'

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

Former I'm A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis 'wish to make a distinction' and have actually established 'utilizing our own money' a monetary investment firm called FINT to assist to 'inform' individuals.

AJ ended up being really open about how sometimes the TV bookings and photoshoots can suddenly stop and stars have to find out how to 'adapt' their profession.

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his friends believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, as after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that

He continued: 'It's actually difficult I think in our industry, the show business and a great deal of other markets today due to the fact that 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 really first pay check on Strictly I've always had actually that money invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't have a task in six months time, I do have money there that I can draw on if I require it.

'And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It's simply often needing to change what it is you believe you are going to do and adjust a little bit. Adapting is tough but you do have to adjust sometimes.

'It is essential 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 professional 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 various and is regularly snapped back into the 'real life' as he's discovered the significant increase in everyday products.

He described: 'Each and every single day I'm reminded truth. I pulled up at the fuel pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to choices that have been made much higher up than my income. That's the real life.

'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 gone up.

'Even when inflation comes down, it does not suggest 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 believe it's going to get any much easier.'

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling 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 last year, and in the wake of his passing it was revealed 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 business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, but owed financial institutions ₤ 15,000, indicating 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 business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was paid back.

The company had actually channelled revenues from a 'wide array of contracts to provide performing arts services within the media market', paperwork stated.

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

He likewise remembered one time he made 'silly cash', telling This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were as soon as 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 'best' year of his monetary life was 2010, 'my very first year on Strictly Come Dancing'.

He stated: 'All of an unexpected, I was earning cash I had actually only dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year - not simply from Strictly however from work off the back of the program such as the trip and personal efficiencies.

'When you're on prime-time TV, everyone desires a little slice of you.'

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he ended up being so 'bitter' about not being allowed to return that he could not bear to watch it, and he went into a 'constant decline' after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was when thought about a favourite amongst Strictly fans, however in 2015 he was dramatically sacked by bosses following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celeb partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the show, a 'devastated' Di Prima wrote on Instagram: 'I deeply regret the occasions that resulted in my departure from Strictly.

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

'My extreme passion and determination to win might have affected my training program.

'While respecting 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 permitted to offer a quote to the online news stories, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the scenario.

'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my friends and family. I want the Strictly family absolutely nothing however success in the future.'

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

The dancer charged $100 (₤ 78) for a video message, and continued to refer to himself as a 'expert 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 made a reported ₤ 200,000 cost for her stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For lots of fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly's most effective 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 wage before she left the show in 2022, and because her exit has actually accumulated a substantial fortune with a string of effective 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 best 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 other half Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has actually listed properties of ₤ 510,953, according to its most current accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of assets in four personal business, which they co-own. including the residential or commercial property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions since last year.

And Oti has actually only contributed 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 show in 2020, has actually cashed in with a string of stage functions

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

Since leaving Strictly in 2020, Kevin Clifton has required 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 most current properties with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn't constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his car while attempting to start his carrying out career, while handling it with a workplace job.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: 'If there's nobody there, I'll oversleep my car and after that I can afford two of my dance lessons tomorrow.

'I spent loads of time oversleeping my automobile - essentially living out of my car - and having no work. It's not all glamour. People believe 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 office jobs, simply trying to sustain my dancer profession.

'I was generally looking in my wallet going, I've just been fired from another task. I have actually got four lessons tomorrow; I currently can't pay for 2 of them.

'I'm going to have to blag it with the instructor and say," Oh, there's been an issue at the bank. I'm going to have to offer you the money 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 site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his spouse Ola following suit 2 years lateer.

James has actually 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 over the last few years, establishing a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have because 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 possessions and ₤ 465,002 after costs.

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