How Strictly's Popular Dancers have actually Wound Up In Debt

For audiences tuning into BBC's megahit Strictly Come Dancing, they would be right in presuming that its stars need to be earning a significant fortune.

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

However, while it has been presumed that Strictly professionals should earn a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the show, for most it's a wholly various story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their battles with piling debts and cash troubles, with some even dealing with the prospect of losing their homes.

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

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars' incomes to reveal the reality about how for many, the cash stops as soon as the ballroom lights go dark ...

Kristina Rihanoff

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

Kristina formerly appeared on Strictly as a professional from 2008 to 2015, making headlines when she began a romance with her celeb partner Ben Cohen.

However, last year, the couple shared fears that they could lose their home after being hit by money issues, with Ben laying bare their monetary problems in court.

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

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had actually made a mess of the handling of their car insurance coverage and told how he was 'battling to save his relationship and home'.

A friend of the couple told the Mail he stated: 'The past six months have actually been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have picked to move forward as separate individuals.

'Those near to them who know 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 left with debilitating financial obligations 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 informed the court: 'I get up every day and I battle not to lose whatever - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

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

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

'We stay in business together so the problem is that we opened the service before Covid and we got the worst intensities of it and in all honestly this is simply another problem for me to deal with.

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

The company was listed to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended nine days later 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 efficiently ₤ 6,633 in the red, considering 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 almost 29 months past due.

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

A fifth company called Yoga Wellbeing which is 100 percent owned by Rihanoff was ₤ 5,041 in the red, taking into account future liabilities, at the end of July 2020. Its accounts are likewise almost 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

AJ initially increased to fame as a candidate 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 since clarify the cash woes 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 fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had formerly hoped to kickstart a new age of dance success by leaving the program, the pandemic forced him to cancel his scheduled dance trip, plunging himself and brother Curtis into financial obligation.

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ clarified the cash issues some Strictly stars can face after leaving the show.

He said: 'We had a business where we were running our own tour and the trip was interrupted. We paid all of our dancers due to the fact that, personally, I felt like that was the right 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, however we paid all of our dancers. It's a tough decision to be made, but that's what it is when you are running your own company.

'They definitely did appreciate it. I perhaps 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 buddies believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he explained that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is nowhere near that.

The dancer stated: 'I think a great deal of people expect 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 believe openness is a positive thing in this day and age, however most people don't truly want to discuss their finances.

'And I believe individuals are intrigued by money. People like to see numbers and like 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 huge cash offers and AJ states some individuals have no idea how to deal with that kind of sum of cash.

Former I'm A Celeb star AJ exposed he and Curtis 'wish to make a difference' and have actually set up 'utilizing our own cash' a financial investment company called FINT to assist to 'inform' people.

AJ ended up being extremely open about how often the TV bookings and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars have to find out how to 'adapt' their career.

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 earns is no place near that

He continued: 'It's actually hard I believe in our market, the show business and a great deal of other industries today because a great deal of individuals are being laid off. It does play on your psychological health if you do not have that next task.

'Myself and Curtis have invested money, from my extremely first pay check on Strictly I've always had actually that cash invested into different portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't have a job in 6 months time, I do have money there that I can draw on if I need it.

'And at the end of the day, there are always jobs out there. It's simply often needing to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a little bit. Adapting is tough but you do have to adjust sometimes.

'It is very important that individuals enter into these huge shows that they're taking pleasure in but 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 various and is regularly snapped back into the 'real life' as he's discovered the significant increase in daily products.

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

'I was like, 'What 10p more expensive from yesterday to today', like that's crazy. I think individuals forget, the cost of living and inflation's gone up.

'Even when inflation boils down, it does not imply that it returns to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a great deal of people this year and I do not believe 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 just ₤ 879 in his company's organization account

Despite pulling in an impressive ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died 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 revealed his company had not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was facing an 'active proposition' to be struck off.

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, however owed creditors ₤ 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 business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was paid back.

The business had actually funnelled profits from a 'broad range of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media market', paperwork stated.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had actually been working on a Fred Olsen Cruise - together with fellow Strictly expert Gordana Grandosek Whiddon - and posted images of himself when the boat docked in South Africa.

Robin formerly told 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 revealed his firm had not traded for some time (envisioned on the program in 2013)

He likewise recalled one time he made 'silly cash', telling This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were once paid ₤ 10,000 each to stay in a luxury 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 very first year on Strictly Come Dancing'.

He stated: 'Suddenly, I was generating income I had just 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, everybody wants a little piece of you.'

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

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was as soon as considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, however last year he was drastically sacked by employers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former superstar partner Zara McDermott.

The dancer later confirmed and regretted his actions versus Zara.

Addressing his exit from the program, a 'ravaged' Di Prima wrote on Instagram: 'I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.

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

'My intense passion and decision to win may have impacted my training regime.

'While respecting the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it's just best for the sake of the program 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 sensitivity of the situation.

'There's more to this story that I am not able to talk about at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my friends and family. I wish the Strictly household absolutely nothing but success in the future.'

Following his departure from the show, 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 describe himself as a 'expert dancer on Strictly' on his profile.

And the stars who have capitalized their Strictly success ...

Oti Mabuse

For many fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly's most successful 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 cost for her stint on I'm A Star Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For numerous 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 program in 2022, and considering that her exit has amassed a big 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 Greatest Dancer, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before joining the Strictly lineup, Oti likewise worked as an expert dancer on Strictly's German equivalent, Let's Dance.

Oti is listed as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she established with her partner Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has listed properties 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 boosting' underclothing variety, and she and husband Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in 4 private companies, which they co-own. consisting of the residential or commercial property company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in properties as of in 2015.

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

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champ in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the program in 2020, has actually cashed in with a string of phase functions

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn't always been simple, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his carrying out career

Since leaving Strictly in 2020, Kevin Clifton has required 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 assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after expenses.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn't constantly been easy, exposing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his automobile while trying to start his performing career, while juggling it with an office task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he said: 'If there's nobody there, I'll sleep in my cars and truck and after that I can afford 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

'I invested loads of time oversleeping my automobile - basically 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 simply getting fired from task after task - normal office jobs, just attempting to sustain my dancer profession.

'I was generally searching in my wallet going, I've 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 give you the cash on my next lesson." James and Ola Jordan

Business: James and Ola Jordan have actually cashed in on their joint weight loss over 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 doing the same 2 years lateer.

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

The couple have actually capitalized their joint weight loss recently, setting up a site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

The set sold their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million previously this year and have given that scaled down to a home more 'appropriate' 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 assets and ₤ 465,002 after expenses.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC