How Strictly's Popular Dancers have Wound Up In Debt

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

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

However, while it has been assumed that Strictly professionals need to make a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for a lot of it's an entirely various story.

Pros who have actually bid farewell to the Strictly dancefloor over the last few years have shared their struggles with stacking financial obligations and money problems, with some even dealing with the possibility of losing their homes.

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

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

Kristina Rihanoff

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

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

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

The degree 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.

Giving proof during the case, England World Cup winning rugby star Ben, 46, confessed he had actually bungled the handling of their cars and truck insurance policy and informed how he was 'battling to conserve 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 actually torn the love they had apart. For the sake of their family, they have picked to go forward as separate individuals.

'Those close to them who understand them as a couple had 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 entrusted debilitating financial obligations after they ploughed every cent 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 battle not to lose whatever - to lose my vehicles and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

In 2015 the couple shared worries that they might lose their home after being struck by money troubles, with Ben laying bare their financial problems in court (envisioned in 2021)

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

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

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

The company was noted to be compulsorily struck off on December 27, 2022, but the action was suspended nine days later and terminated on April 28, 2023.

Records also reveal 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, considering future liabilities, in its last represent the duration ending on July 31, 2020.

The business's accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have still not been filed and are now almost 29 months overdue.

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 filing accounts.

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

A 5th business 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 also almost 29 months past due, according to Companies House records.

AJ Pritchard

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

But AJ has given that shed light on the cash woes some Strictly stars can face, and shared that he was plunged into debt when his dance trip was cancelled in 2020

AJ initially rose to fame as an entrant on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019, leaving the program just months before the Covid pandemic.

While the star had previously wished to kickstart a brand-new age of dance success by leaving the show, the pandemic forced him to cancel his planned dance trip, plunging himself and bro Curtis into debt.

Speaking to MailOnline, AJ clarified 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 trip and the tour was cut brief. We paid all of our dancers due to the fact that, personally, I felt like that was the ideal thing to do. We wound up with a VAT expense 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 hard choice to be made, but that's what it is when you are running your own company.

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

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his pals believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, however, he discussed 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 people anticipate you to go on to Strictly or Love Island and instantly 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 many people don't actually desire to talk about their financial resources.

'And I believe people are interested by money. People love to see numbers and like to see nice 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 tossed into a variety of big cash offers and AJ says some people have no idea how to deal with that type of sum of cash.

Former I'm A Celeb star AJ revealed he and Curtis 'wish to make a difference' and have established 'utilizing our own cash' a financial investment firm called FINT to assist to 'inform' people.

AJ ended up being very open about how often the TV reservations and photoshoots can all of a sudden stop and stars have to discover how to 'adapt' their career.

AJ stated 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 actually difficult I think in our market, the show business and a lot of other industries today due to the fact that a lot of people are being laid off. It does use your psychological health if you don't have that next job.

'Myself and Curtis have actually invested cash, from my really first salary on Strictly I have actually always had that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't have a task in 6 months time, I do have money there that I can make use of if I require it.

'And at the end of the day, there are constantly tasks out there. It's just sometimes having to alter what it is you believe you are going to do and adjust a bit. Adapting is tough however you do have to adjust in some cases.

'It is necessary that individuals go into these big programs that they're taking pleasure in however 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 routinely snapped back into the 'real life' as he's seen the dramatic boost in everyday items.

He described: 'Every single day I'm brought back to truth. I pulled up at the gas pump today and the diesel was 10p more expensive due to choices that have actually been made much higher up than my income. That's the real life.

'I was like, 'What 10p more costly from yesterday to today', like that's insane. I think people forget, the expense of living and inflation's gone up.

'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 don't think it's going to get any much easier.'

Robin Windsor

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

Despite pulling in an excellent ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor unfortunately passed away with simply ₤ 879 in his company'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 actually not traded for some time and according to Companies House Records was dealing with an 'active proposal' to be struck off.

The company Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, however owed lenders ₤ 15,000, indicating 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 company and advanced himself ₤ 35,000 from the business, which was repaid.

The business had actually carried profits from a 'broad variety of contracts to provide performing arts services within the media market', documents said.

In the months prior to his death, Robin had actually 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 informed how he was paid ₤ 100,000 a year during his time on Strictly which pertained 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 (visualized on the show in 2013)

He likewise recalled one time he earned 'ridiculous money', informing This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were once paid ₤ 10,000 each to stay in a high-end 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 first year on Strictly Come Dancing'.

He said: 'All of an abrupt, I was generating income I had actually only dreamt about. I most likely made about ₤ 100,000 that year - not simply from Strictly however from work off the back of the show such as the trip and private efficiencies.

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

Discussing his Strictly exit, Robin said he became so 'bitter' about not being enabled to return that he could not bear to watch it, and he entered into a 'stable decline' after leaving the program.

Graziano Di Prima

Graziano was dramatically sacked by bosses in 2015 following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celebrity 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 once considered a preferred among Strictly fans, but last year he was considerably sacked by employers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his former celeb partner Zara McDermott.

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

Addressing his exit from the program, a 'devastated' Di Prima composed 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 earning MILLIONS thanks to the show

'My intense passion and decision to win might have impacted my training program.

'While respecting the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's just ideal for the sake of the program that I step away. I am saddened that I wasn't allowed to provide 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 go over at this time, but I am dedicated to being strong for my household and good . I wish the Strictly household nothing but success in the future.'

Following his departure from the program, 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 capitalized their Strictly success ...

Oti Mabuse

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

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

For many fans, Oti is thought about 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 salary before she left the show in 2022, and because her exit has generated a substantial fortune with a string of effective TV gigs.

Ever since, she has actually appeared as a judge on Dancing On Ice, and was likewise a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and BBC's The Greatest Dancer, adding to a rumoured fortune of more than ₤ 1.4 million.

Before signing up with the Strictly lineup, Oti also 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 other half Marius Iepure, which was established in February 2017, and has listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

In 2022, Oti also signed a big-money offer to collaborate with Bravissimo on a 'confidence increasing' underwear variety, and she and other half Marius also share a ₤ 590,000 London estate.

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of properties 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 only contributed to her fortune in current months by appearing on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! where she was reportedly paid a ₤ 200,000 charge.

Kevin Clifton

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

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn't constantly been easy, exposing in 2019 that he utilized to oversleep his car while trying to start his performing profession

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 newest assets with ₤ 42,234 staying after costs.

However, the dancer has actually formerly shared that it hasn't always been easy, exposing in 2019 that he used to oversleep his automobile while attempting to kickstart his performing career, while managing it with a workplace task.

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

'I invested loads of time sleeping in my automobile - essentially living out of my cars and truck - 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 simply getting fired from task after job - typical workplace jobs, simply attempting to sustain my dancer career.

'I was generally searching in my wallet going, I have actually simply 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 teacher and say," Oh, there's been a problem at the bank. I'm going to have 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-loss recently, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe

James Jordan left Strictly in 2013 with his other half Ola doing the same two 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 cashed in on their joint weight-loss in the last few years, establishing a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly to subscribe.

The set offered their Kent mansion for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have actually because scaled down to a home more 'suitable' 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 expenses.

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

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC