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

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

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

However, while it has been assumed that Strictly specialists must earn a quite penny, and years of success, through their time on the program, for many it's a wholly different story.

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

Recently, Ben Cohen and Kristina Rihanoff end up being the latest stars to be struck by the infamous 'Strictly curse' after their 12-year romance ended in heartbreak. MailOnline then exposed it was the serious monetary problems they had recently experienced are thought to have actually been behind their split.

MailOnline peels back the shine behind Strictly stars' paychecks 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 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 worries that they could lose their home after being struck by cash issues, with Ben laying bare their financial troubles in court.

The level of the couple's struggles were laid bare in unusual circumstances - 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 bungled the handling of their automobile insurance policy and informed how he was 'combating to conserve his relationship and home'.

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

'Those near them who them as a couple had actually 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 entrusted 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 informed the court: 'I get up every day and I battle not to lose everything - to lose my vehicles and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

Last year the couple shared fears that they might lose their home after being hit by money problems, with Ben laying bare their financial woes in court (pictured in 2021)

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

'We're in service together so the issue is that we opened the organization before Covid and we got the worst seriousness of it and in all truthfully 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 financial obligation because 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 efficiently ₤ 6,633 at a loss, considering future liabilities, in its last represent the period ending on July 31, 2020.

The business's accounts for the year ending in July 2021 have still not been submitted and are now nearly 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 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 individuals was likewise included and voluntarily struck off on the same dates.

A fifth 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 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 (imagined with Saffron Barker in 2019)

But AJ has considering that shed light on the cash troubles some Strictly stars can deal with, and shared that he was plunged into debt when his dance tour was cancelled in 2020

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

While the star had actually formerly intended to start a brand-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 debt.

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

He stated: 'We had a business where we were running our own trip and the tour 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 barrel expense which came out of our own pocket.

'We didn't get paid, myself or Curtis, but we paid all of our dancers. It's a difficult decision to be made, however that's what it is when you are running your own company.

'They absolutely did value it. I possibly didn't appreciate the financial obligation that I was left in however, hey, it's a choice 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 makes 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 quickly be a millionaire. Once you've paid your tax and your VAT, and if you're a limited business, that's not even close.

'I believe openness is a positive thing in this day and age, but many individuals don't truly wish to discuss their finances.

'And I think people are interested by cash. 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 thrown into a number of big money deals and AJ states some individuals have no idea how to manage that kind of amount of money.

Former I'm A Celeb star AJ exposed he and Curtis 'wish to make a difference' and have actually established 'using our own cash' a financial investment business called FINT to help to 'educate' people.

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

AJ said it is hard when a great deal of his pals believe he's a 'millionaire' after starring on Strictly, as after they paid their taxes and VAT, the figure he earns is nowhere near that

He continued: 'It's truly difficult I think in our industry, the show business and a great deal of other markets right now 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 invested money, from my really first wage on Strictly I've constantly had actually that cash invested into various portfolios. Therefore, if I didn't work in 6 months time, I do have cash 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 simply in some cases needing to change what it is you believe you are going to do and adapt a bit. Adapting is difficult however you do need to adapt often.

'It is very important that individuals enter into these huge programs that they're taking pleasure in however 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 different and is routinely snapped back into the 'real world' as he's observed the significant increase in everyday items.

He explained: 'Every day I'm reminded reality. I pulled up at the petrol pump today and the diesel was 10p more costly due to decisions that have actually been made much greater up than my paycheck. That's the real life.

'I was like, 'What 10p more expensive from yesterday to today', like that's insane. I believe individuals forget, the cost of living and inflation's increased.

'Even when inflation boils down, it does not imply that it goes back to what it was. Life is going to be hard for a lot of individuals this year and I don't think it's going to get any much easier.'

Robin Windsor

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

Despite drawing in a remarkable ₤ 100,000 as a star of Strictly, Robin Windsor tragically died with just ₤ 879 in his business's organization account.

The dancer was found 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 proposition' to be struck off.

The business Happy Feet Creative Limited was owed almost ₤ 5,000 the last time it filed accounts, but owed financial institutions ₤ 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 repaid.

The company had actually directed revenues from a 'large range of contracts to supply carrying out arts services within the media market', documents said.

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

Robin previously told 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 actually not traded for some time (pictured on the program in 2013)

He likewise remembered one time he earned 'ridiculous money', telling This Is Money: 'My dance partner and I were when paid ₤ 10,000 each to remain in a high-end resort in Mauritius for a week and dance the cha-cha-cha at an occasion. Our dance lasted two 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: 'All of an abrupt, I was generating income I had actually just dreamt about. I probably made about ₤ 100,000 that year - not just 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 desires a little piece of you.'

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

Graziano Di Prima

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

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

Graziano was when considered a favourite amongst Strictly fans, but last year he was drastically sacked by employers following claims of gross misbehavior towards his previous celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

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

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

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

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

'While appreciating the BBC HR process, I acknowledge it's just right for the sake of the program that I step away. I am distressed that I wasn't allowed to provide a quote to the online newspaper article, and I take on board the level of sensitivity of the scenario.

'There's more to this story that I am unable to discuss at this time, however I am committed to being strong for my household and good friends. I wish the Strictly household nothing but success in the future.'

Following his departure from the show, Graziano attempted to cash on his appearances 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 cashed in on their Strictly success ...

Oti Mabuse

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

Ever since, 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 Star 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 champ for 2 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 because her exit has amassed 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, adding 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 listed as a director of Pure Mabuse Limited, which she set up with her husband Marius Iepure, which was set up in February 2017, and has listed assets of ₤ 510,953, according to its latest accounts.

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

Between them, Oti and Marius hold ₤ 750,000 of possessions in four private business, which they co-own. including the residential or commercial property firm, Lionshead, which notched up ₤ 110,582 in assets as of in 2015.

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

Kevin Clifton

Kevin Clifton was crowned Strictly champion in 2018 with Stacey Dooley, and after leaving the program in 2020, has moneyed in with a string of stage roles

However, the dancer has previously shared that it hasn't constantly been simple, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his car while attempting to kickstart 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 company Supreme Dance stated ₤ 104,993 in its newest possessions with ₤ 42,234 staying after expenses.

However, the dancer has formerly shared that it hasn't always been easy, revealing in 2019 that he utilized to sleep in his car while attempting to start his performing career, while juggling it with an office task.

Speaking on his podcast The Kevin Clifton Show, he stated: '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 spent loads of time sleeping in my car - generally 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 job after task - regular workplace tasks, simply trying to sustain my dancer profession.

'I was essentially searching in my wallet going, I have actually just been fired from another job. I have actually got four lessons tomorrow; I currently can't pay for two of them.

'I'm going to have to blag it with the instructor and say," Oh, there's been an issue 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 recently, setting up a fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 monthly 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 actually capitalized their joint weight reduction in the last few years, setting up a physical fitness site called Dance Shred where they charge ₤ 12.99 per month to subscribe.

The pair offered their Kent estate for ₤ 2.5 million earlier this year and have given that downsized to a home more 'appropriate' for their child 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 costs.

They make extra cash by offering signed pictures for ₤ 9.50 while Ola uses dance lessons to fans at ₤ 300 a pop.

Strictly Come DancingBen CohenBBC