‘Gentle’ Strictly star Windsor dies aged 44
Co-stars and friends lead outpouring of grief after sudden death of professional dancer
ROBIN WINDSOR, a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 44, it was announced yesterday.
He joined the BBC competition in 2010 and took part in four series before leaving the show following a back injury. His partners included actresses Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden.
Windsor’s agents and co-stars have been among the first to pay tribute to the dancer, who revealed his struggle with depression while on the show.
In 2018, Windsor told Dancing Times:
“We all have dark days but I was having dark weeks. I would end up not getting out of bed for four or fives days at a time, as far as everyone was concerned I was ‘happy Robin’ – except to the people I lived with.”
Windsor’s ex-partner, Marcus Collins, who was a finalist on ITV’S The
X-factor in 2011, said on his Instagram page: “The world just got a lot less sparkly. Robin you were so loved.” The cause of his death has not been shared as yet.
The star most recently appeared in the stage show Come What May, a tribute to the Moulin Rouge.
The news was confirmed by his managing agents Sisco Entertainment.
A statement said: “Robin’s presence in Come What May was more than just a performance; it was an embodiment of passion, grace, and sheer talent.
“His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless.
“His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed.”
Craig Revel Horwood, Strictly’s longest standing judge said his “dear friend” was “one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with”.
Burn the Floor, an international Latin and ballroom dance company, that Windsor was associated with for 20 years said in a statement he leaves “a void in our hearts that will never be filled”.
Susanna Reid, fought back tears as she announced Windsor’s death on ITV’S Good Morning Britain yesterday.
Reid danced with him for the BBC’S Children In Need special in 2011 and handed over the bulletin to co-presenter Ed Balls as she was visibly shocked.
She told viewers: “I’m sorry if you’re waking up to that this morning and are as devastated about that as we are. We send all of our love to Robin’s family and to his friends and colleagues.”
Lisa Riley, who partnered Windsor on Strictly in 2012, said her heart was “broken” following the news.
Windsor first began dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich. He also appeared in Dancing With The Stars
Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands, as well as acting as a motivational speaker.
It is understood the dancer recently visited South Africa where he was photographed on a cruise ship. In his last Instagram post, uploaded on Jan 28, he shared a black and white selfie with the caption “Hiding in the shadows”.