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

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

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

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

Pros who have bid goodbye to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their struggles with stacking financial obligations and cash issues, with some even facing the prospect 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 love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious monetary difficulties they had just recently experienced are thought to have lagged their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars' incomes to expose the truth about how for numerous, the money 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 troubles 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 love with her celebrity partner Ben Cohen.

However, last year, 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 scenarios - throughout a court look 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 policy and told how he was 'fighting to save his relationship and home'.

A good friend of the couple told the Mail he said: 'The previous 6 months have been hell for them and it has torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their household, they have actually selected to move forward as different individuals.

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

The couple were left with debilitating financial obligations after they ploughed 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 battle not to lose whatever - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

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

When questioned about the stress on his and Kristina's relationship, he said: 'We're still living together. We're in it economically.

'We stay in business together so the issue is that we opened business before Covid and we got the worst seriousness of it and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to handle.

'I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a company debt since of Covid. It's just another problem.'

The company 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 expose that a food services company called Soo Greens Ltd which is 100 per cent owned by Soo Yoga Group Ltd was effectively ₤ 6,633 at a loss, taking into consideration future liabilities, in its last represent the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The company's accounts for 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 likewise owned by the Soo Yoga Group, was established 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 people was also included and voluntarily struck off on the same dates.

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

AJ Pritchard

AJ first increased to popularity as a candidate on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show just months before the Covid pandemic (imagined with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has because shed light on the cash woes 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 a participant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the show simply months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had actually formerly intended to kickstart a brand-new era of dance success by departing the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his organized dance trip, plunging himself and sibling Curtis into debt.

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

He said: 'We had a company where we were running our own tour and the tour was cut short. We paid all of our dancers since, personally, I felt like that was the right thing to do. We ended 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 tough decision to be made, however that's what it is when you are running your own business.

'They absolutely did value it. I maybe didn't value the financial obligation that I was left in however, hello, it's a choice that was made.'

AJ stated it is hard when a great deal of his pals think he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, nevertheless, he discussed that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he makes is no place near that.

The dancer stated: 'I think a lot of people expect 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 minimal company, that's not even close.

'I believe transparency is a positive thing in this day and age, however a lot of individuals don't actually desire to speak about their finances.

'And I believe people are interested by cash. People enjoy to see numbers and like to see good things, and a great deal of times you require to live within your own means.'

After leaving shows such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were tossed into a number of huge cash deals and AJ states some individuals have no concept how to deal with that type of sum of cash.

Former I'm A Celebrity star AJ revealed he and Curtis 'wish to make a difference' and have actually set up 'using our own money' a financial investment company called FINT to assist to 'educate' individuals.

AJ ended up being very open about how in some cases the TV bookings and photoshoots can unexpectedly stop and stars have to learn how to 'adjust' their profession.

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his good friends believe 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 hard I think in our market, the show business and a lot of other markets today since 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 actually invested money, from my really first wage on Strictly I have actually constantly had actually that cash invested into different 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 jobs out there. It's simply sometimes needing to alter what it is you think you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is hard but you do have to adjust in some cases.

'It is necessary that individuals enter into these huge shows that they're taking pleasure in 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 cost of living crisis and AJ admitted he is no various and is frequently snapped back into the 'real life' as he's noticed the significant increase in daily products.

He discussed: 'Each and every single day I'm brought back to reality. I brought up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more pricey due to decisions that have been made much greater up than my income. That's the real world.

'I resembled, 'What 10p more costly from the other day to today', like that's insane. I think people forget, the cost of living and inflation's gone up.

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

Robin Windsor

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

Despite drawing in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away with just ₤ 879 in his company's organization account.

The dancer was discovered dead in a London hotel in February last year, and in the wake of his passing it was exposed his company had actually not traded for a long time and according to Companies House Records was dealing with 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 star in 2015 and 2016 he held more than ₤ 23,000 in the business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the company, which was paid back.

The company had actually funnelled revenues from a 'broad variety of contracts to offer performing arts services within the media industry', documentation said.

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

Robin previously told how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year throughout his time on Strictly which came to 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 remembered one time he earned 'silly money', informing 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 event. Our dance lasted two minutes.'

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

He said: 'Suddenly, I was generating income I had just dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year - not just from Strictly but from work off the back of the program such as the trip and private efficiencies.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin stated he became so 'bitter' about not being allowed to return that he could not bear to view it, and he went into a 'steady decline' after leaving the show.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was considerably sacked by bosses in 2015 following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was once thought about a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but last year he was significantly sacked by managers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous superstar partner Zara McDermott.

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

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

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

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

'While appreciating the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it's just right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't enabled to provide 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 go over at this time, however I am dedicated to being strong for my household and friends. I wish the Strictly family 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 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 numerous fans, Oti is thought about among Strictly's most successful exports, with the dancer crowned series champ for two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Since then, she has looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and also made a reported ₤ 200,000 charge for her stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! last year

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

The dancer was reported to be on a ₤ 410,000 income before she left the show in 2022, and since her exit has amassed a huge 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 best Dancer, contributing 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 established in February 2017, and has actually listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its newest accounts.

In 2022, Oti likewise signed a big-money offer to collaborate with Bravissimo on a 'self-confidence enhancing' underwear range, and she and partner Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

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

And Oti has actually only added 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 cost.

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champion 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 previously shared that it hasn't always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his performing 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 declared ₤ 104,993 in its latest properties with ₤ 42,234 remaining after bills.

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn't always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his cars and truck while attempting to kickstart his carrying out profession, while handling it with a workplace task.

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

'I invested loads of time sleeping in my automobile - basically living out of my cars and truck - and having no work. It's not all glamour. People believe 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 job - regular office tasks, just trying to sustain my dancer profession.

'I was essentially looking in my wallet going, I have actually simply been fired from another task. I've got four lessons tomorrow; I already can't spend for 2 of them.

'I'm going to need to blag it with the teacher and say," 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 cashed in on their joint weight reduction in the last few years, setting up a physical fitness website called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his better half Ola following fit 2 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 actually capitalized their joint weight-loss recently, establishing a fitness website 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 considering that downsized to a home more 'suitable' for their child Ella.

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