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 making a hefty fortune.

Whether it be the vigorous hours of training, or being an on-screen fixture for weeks on end, the program's professional dancers have assisted make the series a fascinating watch throughout the fall months.

However, while it has been assumed that Strictly professionals should make a pretty penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, 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 shared their struggles with piling financial obligations and cash issues, with some even dealing with the prospect of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the most current stars to be hit by the notorious 'Strictly curse' after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the extreme monetary problems they had actually just recently experienced are thought to have actually lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars' paychecks to expose the truth about how for lots of, the cash stops as quickly as the ballroom lights go dark ...

Kristina Rihanoff

How Strictly's popular dancers have actually ended up in financial obligation - as Kristina Rihanoff's financial difficulties are blamed for split from Ben Cohen (pictured on the program in 2013)

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

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

The extent of the couple's struggles were laid bare in uncommon scenarios - during a court appearance last September when Kristina, 47, was captured driving without insurance coverage.

Giving evidence throughout the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had made a mess of the handling of their vehicle insurance plan and told how he was 'battling to save his relationship and home'.

A friend of the couple informed the Mail he said: 'The past six 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 separate individuals.

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

The couple were left with crippling debts after they ploughed every cent they had into a yoga studio which plunged into crisis throughout the Covid pandemic.

In a tortuously frank admission Ben told the court: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my automobiles and my home and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

In 2015 the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being hit by money woes, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court (imagined in 2021)

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

'We stay in business 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 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 just 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 terminated on April 28, 2023.

Records likewise reveal that a food services business called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 percent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was successfully ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last accounts for the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The company's accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now almost 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 liquified 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 included and willingly struck off on the very same dates.

A 5th business called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 at a loss, considering future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise 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 given that shed light on the cash concerns some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into financial obligation when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ initially rose to fame as a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had previously intended to kickstart a new age of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance tour, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into debt.

Talking to MailOnline, AJ shed light on the cash problems some Strictly stars can face after leaving the program.

He said: '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 best thing to do. We wound up with a VAT expense 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 tough choice to be made, however that's what it is when you are running your own business.

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

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his friends think he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, however, he described that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that.

The dancer said: 'I believe a lot of individuals anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and immediately be a millionaire. Once you've paid your tax and your VAT, and if you're a minimal company, that's not even close.

'I think transparency is a favorable thing in this day and age, but the majority of people don't really desire to discuss their financial resources.

'And I believe people are captivated by money. People enjoy to see numbers and like to see good things, and a great deal of times you need to live within your own ways.'

After leaving shows such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a number of big cash offers and AJ states some individuals have no concept how to manage that sort of amount of money.

Former I'm A Celebrity star AJ exposed he and Curtis 'want to make a difference' and have established 'utilizing our own money' a financial investment company called FINT to assist to 'educate' people.

AJ became extremely open about how often the TV reservations and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars need to learn how to 'adjust' their career.

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his pals 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 really tough I think in our industry, the entertainment market and a lot of other markets right now since a great deal 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 cash, from my very first salary on Strictly I've constantly had actually 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 just sometimes having to change what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is hard but you do need to adjust often.

'It is necessary that individuals go into these big programs that they're taking pleasure in but 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, individuals are dealing with the cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is routinely snapped back into the 'genuine world' as he's seen the remarkable boost in everyday items.

He described: 'Every day I'm brought back to truth. I pulled up at the gas 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 life.

'I resembled, 'What 10p more costly from yesterday to today', like that's crazy. I think individuals forget, the cost of living and inflation's increased.

'Even when inflation boils down, it doesn't imply that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be tough for a great deal of people this year and I do not think it's going to get any simpler.'

Robin Windsor

Despite pulling in an ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically passed away with just ₤ 879 in his business's business account

Despite pulling in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away with just ₤ 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 exposed his company had 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 filed accounts, but owed lenders ₤ 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 company, which was repaid.

The company had actually carried profits from a 'wide array of agreements to provide performing arts services within the media industry', documents said.

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

He likewise remembered one time he made 'ridiculous cash', informing This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were once paid ₤ 10,000 each to remain in a high-end resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an event. Our dance lasted 2 minutes.'

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

He said: 'Suddenly, I was making money 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 personal performances.

'When you're on prime-time TV, everybody wants a little slice of you.'

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin said he ended up being so 'bitter' about not being permitted to return that he couldn't bear to enjoy it, and he entered into a 'stable decrease' after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

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

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

Addressing his exit from the show, 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 professional dancers waltzing all the way to the bank after making MILLIONS thanks to the show

'My extreme enthusiasm and determination to win might have impacted my training program.

'While appreciating the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's just best for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't enabled to offer a quote to the online newspaper article, and I take on board the sensitivity of the circumstance.

'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 household and friends. I wish the Strictly family nothing however success in the future.'

Following his departure from the show, Graziano tried 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 cashed in on their Strictly success ...

Oti Mabuse

For lots of fans, Oti is thought about among Strictly's most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champion for 2 years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has actually appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also made a reported ₤ 200,000 fee for her stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! in 2015

For many 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 program in 2022, and since her exit has actually accumulated a substantial fortune with a string of successful TV gigs.

Since then, she has appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC's The best Dancer, contributing to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before signing up with 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 set up with her partner Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money deal to collaborate with Bravissimo on a 'self-confidence boosting' underclothing variety, and she and partner Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London mansion.

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

And Oti has only included to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was supposedly 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 moneyed in with a string of stage roles

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

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

His firm Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its most current assets with ₤ 42,234 remaining after bills.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn't constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his vehicle while trying to start his carrying out career, while managing it with an office job.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: 'If there's nobody there, I'll oversleep my vehicle and then I can manage 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

'I invested loads of time sleeping in my car - generally living out of my vehicle - and having no work. It's not all glamour. People believe we live these easy, showbiz, attractive lives and it's not like that.

'There's been times where I was just getting fired from job after task - regular office tasks, just trying to sustain my dancer career.

'I was basically searching in my wallet going, I have actually simply been fired from another task. I've got 4 lessons tomorrow; I already can't pay for 2 of them.

'I'm going to have to blag it with the instructor and state," Oh, there's been a problem at the bank. I'm going to need to offer you the cash on my next lesson." James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have cashed in on their joint weight loss recently, 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 fit 2 years lateer.

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

The couple have actually cashed in on their joint weight-loss over the last few years, establishing a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The set offered 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 firm James and Ola Dance Academy which most just recently had ₤ 774,023 in properties and ₤ 465,002 after expenses.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC