IT may involve a lot of hard work, and many months of intense training – but Strictly Come Dancing can lead to very lucrative careers.
Fleur East ended up in the bottom two in last week’s episode of the BBC dance competition, but, when it comes to cold hard cash, she’s set to come out on top.
Fleur East is set to make millions after Strictly, according to Nick Ede
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede has tipped the former X Factor star and some of her Strictly co-stars to get lots of TV work and brand deals in the new year.
From roles in West End musicals to fashion and beauty collaborations, Nick reveals which of this year’s Strictly stars are destined to earn millions…
Fleur East – £1.5m
Fleur shot to fame on the X Factor, and has presented Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and a show on Hits Radio since then.
She was also the first celeb to get a perfect score of 40 with her Couple’s Choice dance, so she knows what she’s doing when it comes to entertaining.
And Nick says “she’s on target to make millions”.
He adds: “ I can see her post-tour performing in the West End, doing more radio and TV and also endorsement deals too.”
Fleur recently launched a hair brand, The Kurl Kitchen, with her sister Keshia East, and this is going to boost her wallet even more.
Nick adds: “This will make a lot, and I can see her being the biggest money-maker.”
Helen Skelton – £1m
Helen Skelton could make £1m thanks to presenting and reality TV
Helen Skelton was already household name before appearing on Strictly, having presented Blue Peter and Countryfile.
But Nick believes it’s her personal life that could make her a big winner in terms of money.
Helen and Richie Myler split after eight years of marriage, shortly after she was announced for Strictly.
They have three children together, Ernie, six, Louis, five, and one-year-old Elsie – and Richie announced he has a fourth on the way with his new girlfriend Stephanie Thirkill in October.
And Nick thinks Helen can use this to cash in with some more reality TV, as well as podcasts and books about life as a single mum.
He says: “With her relationship making headlines, she will be a big winner from Strictly this year.
“I can see her going on to do more presenting and, perhaps, even appearing on other reality shows too like Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins or Celebs Go Dating.
“With her three children, I can see her also releasing books and podcasts and making over £1 million in the process.”
Molly Rainford – £1m
Molly Rainford could do very well through fashion collaborations
CBBC star Molly Rainford was relatively unknown outside of children’s telly before Strictly.
But Nick thinks she can earn big now, with personal appearances, presenting jobs and brand deals.
“Molly is the real winner here,” he tells us. “I can see her doing lots more TV, not only on her existing platform, but as a presenter on shows like Morning Live.
“I can also see her being asked to have her own fashion brand or collaborate with a big fashion brand, as she has won a legion of fans.”
Hamza Yassin – £500k
Hamza Yassin has already been approached to front a BBC nature programme
Hamza Yassin was a virtual unknown when he first took to the Strictly dance floor all those weeks ago.
But, thanks to his incredible dance moves and infectious smile, the presenter has become a fan favourite – and tipped to win the Glitterball trophy.
We even revealed this week that the BBC has already approached him about hosting a new nature show, following in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough.
And Nick believes he’s “well on the way to making over £500,000”.
He says: “Plucked from obscurity, I can see Hamza becoming a huge favourite on TV with his loveable personality.
“He will be writing books and getting new TV shows.”
Tyler West – £500k
Tyler West is set to make money out of fitness and lifestyle deals
Tyler West may have not made it into the final weeks of the competition, but Nick thinks he’ll be more than alright.
The Kiss FM host managed to run the London Marathon the day after performing on Strictly, and then got the first 10s of the series the following week.
And Nick is sure “a lifestyle or fitness brand would love to work with him”.
“I can see him doing a lot,” Nick adds. “He will continue to DJ but also appear on TV panels and more reality shows and could earn over £500,000.”
Kym Marsh – £400k
Kym Marsh will continue to make money through presenting and acting
Kym Marsh was one of the most well-known faces on this year’s series of Strictly.
She shot to fame on Popstars, as part of Hear’Say, and then went on to star in Coronation Street, before presenting Morning Live – her current job.
She’s also about to be seen in the reboot of Waterloo Road.
Nick says: “Kym’s already busy and has a presenting job on BBC, so I can see her doing more of this and, perhaps, appearing in more reality shows.
“She’s definitely going to make around £400,000 from this show.”
Will Mellor – £250k
Will Mellor could be making money from lucrative menswear endorsements
Actor Will Mellor has recently popped up on Corrie as evil Harvey Gaskell – so it’s likely he’ll be staying on the cobbles for a while.
But the 46-year-old has also wowed Strictly viewers with his snake hips – and topped the leaderboard last week.
Nick says: “Will has shown that you can look good at any age.
“I think he will get some lucrative menswear endorsements and lots more acting work to make him earn well over £250,000.”
And those who will miss out…
Ellie Taylor
Ellie Taylor will stay acting in Ted Lasso
Comedian Ellie Taylor left the Strictly competition last week, after landing in the bottom two with Fleur.
Before the show, she was most well-known for starring in Ted Lasso, and Nick thinks she’ll continue with that.
He says: “I think Ellie will carry on the TV roles and appear on panels.
“I don’t think she will make the big bucks but the profile will increase her value.”
Jayde Adams
Nick says Jayde Adams will sell out comedy shows
Comedian Jayde Adams is another Strictly star who wasn’t very well-known beforehand.
Nick says while she is now “a household name,” he’s not sure if she’ll be a big earner.
However, he adds: “She will sell out her tours and I can see her doing more TV.”
Richie Anderson
Richie Anderson will continue to present the travel on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 show
Another relative unknown from this series of Strictly was Richie Anderson – who presents the travel reports on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Nick says: “I think we will hear more of Richie on the radio, and he will appear on some more reality shows.
“But I don’t think he will make too much from his appearance.”
