How Strictly's Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

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

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

However, while it has actually been presumed that Strictly experts need to earn a pretty cent, and years of success, through their time on the show, for many it's an entirely different story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor in current years have actually shared their struggles with piling financial obligations and cash problems, with some even facing the possibility of losing their homes.

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff become the most recent stars to be hit by the infamous 'Strictly curse' after their 12-year love ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then revealed it was the severe financial troubles they had just recently experienced are believed to have been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the glitter behind Strictly stars' incomes to expose the fact about how for many, 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 formerly appeared on Strictly as an expert from 2008 to 2015, making headings when she started a romance with her celeb partner Ben Cohen.

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

The degree of the couple's struggles were laid bare in unusual scenarios - during a court look last September when Kristina, 47, was caught driving without insurance.

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

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

'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 appears like there's no going back.'

The couple were left with debilitating debts after they tilled 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 combat not to lose everything - to lose my vehicles and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

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

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

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

'I've got charge card that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got an organization debt because of Covid. It's just another issue.'

The company was listed to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended 9 days later and terminated 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 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 accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have actually still not been submitted and are now nearly 29 months overdue.

Another business called Soo Purple Mountain Ltd which is also 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 submitting accounts.

A fourth company called Soo Group Ltd which was half owned by Cohen and half owned by 3 other individuals was also incorporated and willingly struck off on the same dates.

A fifth company called Yoga Wellbeing which is one hundred 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 nearly 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

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

But AJ has because clarify the cash concerns some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into debt when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

AJ first increased to fame as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

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

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ shed light on the money concerns some Strictly stars can deal with after leaving the program.

He stated: '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 felt like that was the best thing to do. We ended up with a barrel costs which came out of our own pocket.

'We didn't earn money, myself or Curtis, however 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 definitely did value it. I perhaps didn't value the debt that I was left in but, hello, it's a choice that was made.'

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his good friends think he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, however, he described that after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns 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 have actually paid your tax and your VAT, and if you're a limited business, that's not even close.

'I believe openness is a favorable thing in this day and age, however a lot of people do not actually wish to speak about their finances.

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

After leaving shows such as Strictly and Love Island, Curtis and AJ were thrown into a variety of big money offers and AJ states some people have no idea how to deal with that kind of sum of money.

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

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

AJ said it is hard when a lot of his good friends 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 truly difficult I think in our industry, the show business and a lot of other markets today because a lot of individuals are being laid off. It does use your mental health if you do not have that next task.

'Myself and Curtis have actually invested money, from my very first salary on Strictly I've constantly had that money invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't work in six months time, I do have cash there that I can draw on if I need it.

'And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It's simply sometimes needing to change what it is you think you are going to do and adjust a bit. Adapting is difficult however you do need to adapt sometimes.

'It is very important that people enter into these huge programs that they're delighting in however they have an occupation behind them like myself and Curt. We're both expert dancers, we can go all over the world and teach.'

Every day, people are dealing with the cost of living crisis and AJ confessed he is no various and is routinely snapped back into the 'genuine world' as he's discovered the dramatic boost in daily items.

He described: 'Every single day I'm brought back to truth. I brought up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly 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 the other day to today', like that's crazy. I think people forget, the expense of living and inflation's gone up.

'Even when inflation comes down, it doesn't indicate that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be difficult for a great deal of people this year and I don't believe it's going to get any much easier.'

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately died with simply ₤ 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 dealing with an 'active proposition' to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed practically ₤ 5,000 the last time it submitted accounts, but owed lenders ₤ 15,000, suggesting 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 business and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was paid back.

The company had actually channelled incomes from a 'broad variety of contracts to provide carrying out arts services within the media industry', paperwork said.

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

Robin previously informed 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 company had not traded for a long time (envisioned on the program in 2013)

He likewise recalled one time he earned 'ridiculous money', informing This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were when 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 2 minutes.'

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

He said: 'All of an unexpected, I was generating income 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 piece of you.'

Speaking about his Strictly exit, Robin said he became so 'bitter' about not being enabled to return that he couldn't bear to see it, and he entered into a 'constant decrease' after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was considerably sacked by managers last year following claims of gross misconduct towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott

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

Graziano was as soon as thought about a favourite among Strictly fans, however last year he was considerably sacked by managers following claims of gross misconduct towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the program, a 'ravaged' Di Prima composed on Instagram: 'I deeply are sorry for the events that caused 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 may have impacted my training regime.

'While appreciating the BBC HR procedure, I acknowledge it's just right for the sake of the show that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn't allowed 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 talk about at this time, but I am committed to being strong for my household and friends. I want the Strictly household nothing but success in the future.'

Following his departure from the program, 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 actually capitalized 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 two years in a row, in 2019 and 2020

Ever since, she has actually looked like a judge on Dancing On Ice, and likewise earned a reported ₤ 200,000 charge for her stint on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! last year

For many fans, Oti is considered one of Strictly's most effective exports, with the dancer crowned series champ 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 considering that her exit has actually accumulated 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 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 noted as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she established with her hubby 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 also signed a big-money offer to work together with Bravissimo on a 'confidence improving' underwear variety, and she and hubby Marius likewise share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in 4 personal business, which they co-own. including the home company, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in possessions as of in 2015.

And Oti has actually only contributed to her fortune in recent months by appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was apparently 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 moneyed in with a string of phase functions

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

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

His firm Supreme Dance declared ₤ 104,993 in its newest assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after bills.

However, the dancer has actually previously shared that it hasn't always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he used to sleep in his vehicle while attempting to kickstart his carrying out profession, while managing 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 cars and truck and after that I can afford 2 of my dance lessons tomorrow.

'I spent loads of time oversleeping my car - essentially living out of my vehicle - and having no work. It's not all glamour. People think 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 task - regular workplace tasks, just attempting to sustain my dancer career.

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

'I'm going to need to blag it with the teacher and state," 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 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 each month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his wife Ola following suit two years lateer.

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

The couple have capitalized their joint weight loss recently, establishing a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 each month to subscribe.

The set sold their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have actually given that scaled down to a home more 'ideal' 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 bills.