The ‘Strictly curse’ is a well-known trend where celebrities on the show seemingly fall for their professional dance partners, often leading to relationship drama.
However, many people don’t realize there’s another side to the ‘Strictly curse’ – a pattern of professional dancers struggling after their time on the show ends.
The professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing spend half the year fully immersed in the show, but because their contracts are short-term, they constantly face the possibility of not being rehired.
This week, news broke that five popular dancers—Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Márquez—will not be returning for the next season of Strictly, in what has been described as a major shake-up.
Rumors are circulating that more dancers may also lose their jobs, and the celebrities are likely now reviewing their finances, worried about losing their Strictly Come Dancing income, which is reportedly a fixed amount between £35,000 and £50,000.
They’re also likely hoping to steer clear of the ‘Strictly curse,’ which has previously led to controversy for some of their co-stars.
So, who fell foul to the other Strictly curse?
Brendan Cole
Brendan Cole was one of the original professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, joining when the show started in 2004. He was a popular performer until his contract wasn’t renewed in 2018.
According to sources at The Daily Mail, Brendan was fired because his behavior generated bad publicity and he had several angry moments on air. They emphasized that the show must always come first, regardless of who is involved.
The BBC thanked Brendan for his involvement with the show from the very start, acknowledging his win in the first series and his significant contribution to its success. They wish him well in his future endeavors.
Brendan was very open about wanting to continue on the show, and after being let go, he’s started a dance group with other former Strictly Come Dancing professionals: James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone, and Ian Waite.
Even though he was touring, it came to light last September that he still owed nearly £100,000 to people he did business with after his company failed.
Brendan Cole started his own dance company, Brendan Cole Ltd., in 2009, even while still performing on the BBC show.
However, he agreed to close the business – which was described as offering entertainment and leisure activities – in November 2021, just before he began competing on the ITV show Dancing On Ice.
Records at Companies House show the dance company is now closed. Financial reports for the six months leading up to its closure in November 2021 were submitted late.
Brendan’s business is reportedly in debt, owing around £28,000 in taxes and £50,000 from a loan received during the pandemic from HSBC. Experts handling the situation don’t think those he owes money to will be fully repaid.
Okay, let’s be realistic here. After looking closely at everything – what assets can be sold, plus all the costs and fees involved – it’s become clear that I unfortunately won’t be able to pay back any of my creditors, in any order. It’s just not financially possible at this point.
In 2022, the company reported owing a total of £37,000. This included £22,000 in corporation tax, £6,000 for employee taxes and National Insurance, £4,600 in other debts, and a £400 bill to their accountants.
The dancer, who was born in New Zealand, has agreed to pay £1,000 each month to pay off a £45,000 loan he received from the company, which is currently facing financial difficulties.
As a lifestyle expert, I often see how people structure their businesses, and it’s fascinating! A great example is Brendan, who built a company during his time on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. He held the majority stake – 70% – while his wife, Zoe, was a valued partner with the remaining 30%.
James Jordan
Oh my gosh, I still remember when James Jordan first appeared on Strictly in 2006 with his amazing wife, Ola! It felt like a dream come true seeing them dance together. I was absolutely gutted when he left in 2013, and then even more heartbroken when Ola followed in 2015. It just hasn’t been the same since!
Since finishing the show, he’s been remarkably open about his personal life, discussing everything from his fluctuating weight and his daughter’s health issues, to his father’s stroke and the challenges he and Ola faced trying to have a baby. He’s also been very honest about his experiences on Strictly.
The dancer, originally from Kent, has also faced controversy. In 2017, while appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, he was accused of making homophobic and misogynistic remarks.
Let’s talk about navigating difficult personalities – it’s something I see a lot in the public eye, and honestly, in everyday life! There was a time on a show I was observing where things got really heated between a dancer and Kim Woodburn. It became quite personal, with some incredibly hurtful language used – he unfortunately called her names that were just unacceptable. And things didn’t stop there. He also got into a very public argument with another cast member, Austin Armacost, and made some really insensitive comments that were perceived as homophobic. It was a tough situation to watch, and a real reminder that even in the spotlight, respectful communication is key.
After Austin acted unpredictably and suggested his partner, Nicola McLean, soak James’s bed, a heated exchange of insults erupted when James checked his sheets and was then kicked by Austin.
James warned firmly, “Don’t play with those tough kids – you’ll get hurt. You’re used to playing with gentler children, and this will be different.”
James has claimed the show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is rigged and has also criticized their decision to feature same-sex couples competing.
‘Ballroom dancing is about a man dancing with a woman,’ he said in 2015.
He explained that a good rumba needs to convincingly portray a loving connection. It’s all about showing the passion between a couple.
‘The world’s gone too politically correct. Take her [pointing at wife Ola].
Okay, so she’s Polish, right? And I just blurted out, probably jokingly, something about ‘Polish people being everywhere!’ I know, it sounds awful, but honestly, I’m a bit of a tease and I meant it as a laugh. We’re always ribbing each other, that’s just how we are. It’s all playful, I swear!
James left the show in 2014, largely because he had disagreements with executive producer Louise Rainbow and was no longer seen as a good fit.
He also slammed judge Craig Revel Horwood as ‘not a nice person,’.
He received backlash from fans earlier this year after posting a comment on X (formerly Twitter) that many considered sexist towards his wife, Ola.
The professional dancer took to social media to bemoan her skills around the house.
Looking for a reliable ironing service in the West Malling area. My wife isn’t very good at ironing, so I’m hoping someone can help!
Kristina Rihanoff
Kristina Rihanhoff gained the nickname ‘Siberian Siren’ after joining the show in 2008. Before that, she had a brief romance with dancer Vincent Simone and a four-year relationship with boxing champion Joe Calzaghe.
She met her husband Ben Cohen when they were partnered up on the show in 2010.
They maintain that nothing was happening then. The next year, Ben divorced Abby Cohen after 13 years of marriage and then began a relationship with Kristina.
Kristina then left Strictly in 2015 and the following year she welcomed their daughter, Milena.
Ten years after leaving the show, Kristina and Ben separated. Sources told the Daily Mail that money problems likely contributed to their split.
A couple’s difficulties became public in an unexpected way: during a 2024 court hearing, professional dancer Kristina was found to be driving without insurance.
I was really saddened to hear Ben, the rugby star, testify in court. He openly admitted he messed up with their car insurance, and honestly, it was heartbreaking to hear him say he’s working so hard to protect his family – his relationship and their home. It felt very raw and genuine, and you could really feel the pressure he’s under.
The couple faced severe financial hardship after investing all their savings into a yoga studio that struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When asked about the difficulties in his relationship, Ben explained to the court that he and his partner still live together and are financially linked.
We started this business before the COVID-19 pandemic, and unfortunately, we were hit hard by its worst effects. Honestly, this current issue is just another challenge I have to overcome.
I’m currently over the limit on my credit cards, in both of my accounts. Plus, our business took on debt due to the pandemic, and it’s just adding to everything else we’re dealing with.
The couple launched Soo Yoga Group in June 2017, four years after meeting and falling in love while competing together on the eleventh season of a popular BBC show.
According to filings with Companies House, Soo Yoga Group Ltd. reported a loss of £488,470 in its most recent financial statements, which covered the year ending July 31, 2022.
The company was at risk of being dissolved, and Ben has stepped down as a director, leaving Kristina as the only remaining director. Several other businesses connected to the couple were also experiencing financial problems.
The couple quickly listed their five-bedroom house in Sywell, Northamptonshire, for £1.75 million. They had lived there since 2016.
The couple realized how ironic it was that their project, intended to boost their health and happiness, actually led to a crisis that threatened their finances and well-being.
Kristina, originally from Russia, had dedicated herself to becoming a yoga instructor. Unfortunately, she and her partner had to shut down their yoga studio—which had only been open for nine months—when the pandemic began.
The studio provided classes in dance, meditation, and Pilates, and Cohen specialized in high-intensity training.
In 2021, Kristina explained to TopMob that the company was brand new and they had invested their life savings into it.
‘It was awful. I put everything into it and you don’t even have a chance to develop the business.
We reopened in August after the initial lockdown and were immediately very busy. As a family-friendly center, we saw a large increase in visitors. The November lockdown was tough, and December was even worse because we didn’t know when it would end – it felt endless. We’re hoping things can return to normal soon.
She talked about her battles with depression, which have gotten much worse during the lockdowns, and acknowledged that she and her family have been having a hard time.
The couple then managed to hold classes outdoors on tennis courts in Northampton, and shared their ambition to grow the business across the country, with hopes of achieving a similar level of success to the David Lloyd sports club chain.
Ben acknowledged enjoying being active outdoors, but stressed they hadn’t made any money yet and it wasn’t right to be celebrating before that happened.
Okay, so he admitted things have been really hard with the business, but then he started talking about his vision, and I swear, I almost cried! He wants to be the next David Lloyd! Can you believe it? Apparently, everyone thought Lloyd was nuts when he started out, but look at him now! And the best part? David Lloyd himself is helping them! He’s like, mentoring them! It’s amazing! He wants to roll this out nationwide, and honestly, I’m already picturing it. It’s going to be HUGE. I just know it!
Ben and Kristina reportedly got back together in September of last year, even though they were struggling financially.
Artem Chigvintsev
Artem Chigvintsev started on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and is one of just four professional dancers – along with Brendan Cole, Darren Bennett, and Aljaž Škorjanec – to win the competition during their very first season.
Following his win of the Glitterball Trophy with Kara Tointon, he continued as a professional dancer on the show for three more seasons. He then left in 2014 to join the American version, Dancing With The Stars.
I always admired Artem Chigvintsev’s journey, especially how his relationship with Nikki Bella blossomed while they were on ‘Dancing with the Stars’! It was so lovely to watch them become a family, welcoming their son Matteo and then tying the knot in 2022. A true fairytale!
In 2024, Artem was arrested in Yountville, California, following reports of domestic violence. However, Napa County prosecutors later chose not to pursue criminal charges against him.
Nikki and her husband eventually divorced. She asked the court for full custody of their son, but it wasn’t granted. Both of them also obtained temporary restraining orders against each other.
Three months after his arrest, Artem claimed he lost out on $100k in income.
According to legal documents obtained by Daily Mail, Artem stated that the arrest and the resulting false accusations caused him to lose a significant amount of money.
The documents state that I have been able to find other dance work. I typically begin new jobs in November, and they usually last for about 20 weekends.
Following her false accusations, my mugshot and arrest led to my removal from the website’s faculty list, causing me to lose over $100,000 in income.
I also lost income from social media promotions, and she’s still profiting from them. She prioritized her own career when she lied to the police, instead of considering the impact on me.
Last May, Nikki shared details of her divorce settlement, explaining she had to pay Artem $200,000 in spousal support, money she described as having worked hard to earn.
Nikki was also ordered to pay $3,500 a month in child support for their son.
Robin Windsor
The dance world was rocked in February 2024 by the tragic death of Robin Windsor.
Robin appeared in four TV series between 2010 and 2013. Sadly, they died after taking an overdose while staying at The Hoxton Hotel in Shepherd’s Bush, London.
The jury at the inquest heard that Robin left a suicide note blaming the BBC for ruining his life after he was removed from the show. They determined that he was deeply sensitive to both personal and professional setbacks.
Hotel staff found Robin unresponsive in his room after he didn’t check out on time. Authorities later discovered two notes suggesting he had taken his own life.
It all began when I was let go from Strictly. The experience was devastating and really set me on my current path. I simply wanted to be happy, and I truly loved my work more than anything.
I was really heartbroken to hear him say he’d been struggling with a deep sadness for a long time, and that he just couldn’t continue feeling that way anymore. It sounded like he’d reached his limit.
In a second message, Robin told his former partner, actor Ollie Augustin, that he wanted to make it clear the situation wasn’t Ollie’s fault.
Following a hearing in February, the jury concluded that Robin Jamie Windsor died by suicide on February 19, 2024. They determined he intentionally consumed ethanol and GBH while in Room 424 of The Hoxton Hotel, after considering all the evidence presented.
We believe several factors likely contributed to Robin Jamie Windsor’s depression. He experienced trauma as a child and was easily hurt by both personal and professional setbacks.
Robin Jamie Windsor’s mental health declined due to a combination of factors, including loneliness, emotional immaturity, financial stress, a lack of ongoing mental health care, and repeated heartbreak. These issues ultimately contributed to his suicide.
After four years on Strictly Come Dancing, Robin had to miss the 2014 series due to a back injury. He needed surgery to remove a damaged disc as part of his recovery.
He was then one of three stars dropped in 2015 when show bosses chose to refresh the line-up.
Friends noticed he became increasingly depressed, and it was obvious for years afterward that he was still fixated on the show.
Dr. van Dellen shared excerpts from a statement by Marcus Collins, a singer and former partner of Windsor. Collins stated that Windsor’s mental health worsened after he finished his contract on Strictly Come Dancing.
Marcus said the news that he’d been dropped from Strictly Come Dancing was devastating for him. He remembers it vividly because they were on vacation in New York at the time, and his friend was completely heartbroken.
From then on, Robin struggled with his mental health, which sometimes caused noticeable changes in his personality.
While on BBC One, Windsor danced with several well-known actresses, including Lisa Riley from Emmerdale in 2012, as well as Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson (a star of EastEnders), and Deborah Meaden from Dragons’ Den.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Robin, and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing is heartbroken. He was a much-loved and valued member of the show’s team, both in front of and behind the camera.
The investigation revealed that a number of difficult circumstances led to Robin’s tragic death, and we continue to offer our deepest sympathy to everyone who cared for him.
AJ Pritchard
AJ Pritchard was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing from 2016 to 2019. He left the show to pursue his ambition of hosting TV shows alongside his brother, Curtis, who is also a reality TV personality.
Despite hoping for a career as a presenter, AJ ended up appearing in several reality TV shows and receiving negative reviews for a brief acting role on the soap opera Hollyoaks alongside his brother.
AJ was earning money touring with Curtis, but the pandemic unexpectedly brought their tour to a halt, leaving him in debt.
AJ told the Daily Mail that being a dancer is unpredictable – you never know where the next job will come from. He also expressed annoyance at the common misconception that dancers are all wealthy.
Back in January, we were running a tour that unfortunately had to be stopped early. Even though the tour was cut short, we made sure to pay all of our dancers, as I believed it was the right thing to do. This meant we ended up covering a VAT bill with our own funds.
Neither Curtis nor I received payment, but we made sure all our dancers were paid. It’s a tough part of running a business, but that’s just how it goes.
They were clearly grateful, though I wasn’t happy about the debt I was left with. Ultimately, it was a choice that was made and I have to accept it.
AJ pointed out that many people assume appearing on shows like Strictly or Love Island will instantly make you rich. However, after taxes, VAT, and business expenses, the reality is far from that.
Being open and honest is generally good, especially now, but many people prefer to keep their financial information private.
People are naturally fascinated by money. They enjoy seeing financial figures and appreciating luxury items, but it’s important to remember to spend responsibly and live within your budget.
Cameron Lombard
Cameron Lombard was an ensemble dancer on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 and 2021, performing in group numbers but never partnered with a celebrity contestant.
He departed the show after two seasons, saying he was pursuing other promising projects.
I was really shocked to hear that Cameron actually claimed he was fired from the show. He said it led to a really difficult time for him, and he struggled with serious depression afterwards. It’s heartbreaking to think about what he went through.
Cameron shared on Instagram that he struggled with depression after not being selected for Strictly Come Dancing a year ago. He explained that he felt lost and empty, as he had previously found fulfillment in his achievements.
Even during difficult times, I discovered my inner resilience. Challenges don’t defeat us; they transform us. Fueled by the constant love and encouragement of my wife and family, and with an unyielding spirit, I’m excited to begin a new phase of my life.
Let me tell you, moving to Miami is more than just changing locations – it’s a total life transformation! I don’t just plan to enjoy the scene here, I’m ready to really live it – to create, to inspire others, and to make a lasting impact. It’s about building something meaningful and leaving my mark on this incredible city.
To my supporters, you kept me grounded. And to those who doubted me, you actually gave me something to smile about even when things were hard.
This experience has been challenging, but each setback has ultimately made me stronger. It’s not just a personal victory; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability of people to overcome anything.
This proves that even when we face setbacks, we can bounce back even stronger. My life has had its ups and downs, but each experience has brought me to where I am today – a place full of potential, energy, and excitement. And the best part is, this isn’t just my story; it’s a message of hope for anyone who has ever struggled and overcome challenges.
Let’s embrace life with energy and determination, overcoming challenges and achieving our goals together. With passion and unwavering faith in our dreams, we can flourish and enjoy the journey.
It’s the cycle of achieving everything, losing it all, and rebuilding – a unique emotional experience that only I understand. People often overlook the blessings I’ve received through dedication and prayer, but God will always be the most important part of my journey.
And what will become of the freshly-axed stars?
Although Nadiya Bychkova’s time on Strictly Come Dancing ended on a difficult note, she’s optimistic about the future, with several exciting projects with famous faces already in the works.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m hearing some big changes are happening over at the BBC1 show! Sadly, one of the professional dancers has been let go, and they’re one of five cast members exiting as the show gets a major revamp. It’s a shake-up, and we’ll be watching to see how it all unfolds!
But there is hope for the 36-year-old, whom some feel was given the push because of her age.
The Daily Mail has learned that Nadiya has secretly started businesses with Alexandra Burke, the winner of the 2008 X Factor.
The pair are best friends and have been snapped together at events on social media.
Just over a year ago, they opened up various TV, film, retail and education companies.
The group started two companies: 11:11 Productions Ltd, which sold TVs and clothes, and Infinity Love Productions Ltd, a separate production company.
Beyond that, they also own companies offering media and artistic support, named Infinity Love Ltd and Infinity Love Entertainment Ltd.
Nalini Boyce, a freelance TV production manager and Alexandra’s close friend – and possibly her sister, according to reports – is the third member of their team.
Nadiya is also busy with a new venture: a production company called Butterfly Entertainment, which she’s launched with her former dance partner and TV presenter, Dan Walker.
Nadiya is hoping to stay in the competition, because being eliminated from Strictly isn’t just upsetting, it can also be financially difficult.
Nadiya’s company, Nadiya.B Entertainment Ltd, only has £48,750 in savings, which is a small amount considering her primary source of income has recently been cancelled.
Others to face the chop are in an equally perilous position according to their accounts.
Luba Mushtuk’s firm Lubamore Ltd has just £21,264 in reserves.
Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the show in 2022, hasn’t submitted any financial records for her company, MTS Entertainment Ltd. This company seems to have been created following her success on Strictly.
She’s now depending on income from her dance workshops, including her ‘Shall We Dance Experience’ which features Simone Arena, a professional from the Belgian ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m often surprised when I look behind the scenes. It’s fascinating to discover that even the most popular and long-running stars on TV haven’t necessarily earned the huge fortunes many assume. It really challenges the idea of what success looks like, doesn’t it?
Gorka Marquez started a company called G-Fitness & Health Ltd in January 2021. However, he closed it down voluntarily two years later without filing any financial reports.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Karen Hauer used to co-own a company called Principal Dancers Ltd with her former husband, Kevin Clifton.
The organization has £110,926 in its accounts, but currently owes £58,706 to various creditors, including £10,500 in bank loans and overdrafts. It recently faced the possibility of being dissolved, but this action has been cancelled.
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2026-03-15 16:12