Robin Windsor and Lisa Riley on Strictly Come Dancing
Tributes are flooding in for Robin Windsor, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer, who has died at the age 44.
Windsor competed on the BBC One show for four series from 2010 to 2013, when he was forced to step down after a slipped disc left him paralysed for four days.
He made a special return to the show in 2014 for what would become Strictly’s first ever same-sex dance, which he performed alongside fellow pro Aljaž Škorjanec.
Windsor’s celebrity partners during his time on the series were actor Patsy Kensit, EastEnders star Anita Dobson, Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley and Dragon’s Den tycoon Deborah Meaden.
The dance company Windsor founded, Burn the Floor, announced his death, saying the dancer had “tragically passed away”.
Many stars, including Craig Revel Horwood, Karen Hauer and Susanna Reid, have paid tribute.
Robin Windsor dies aged 44
News of Windsor’s death was announced by the dance company he founded, Burn the Floor, who said the dancer had “tragically passed away”. The statement added: “He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever.”
Read the full story here:
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 08:32
Amy Dowden shares Instagram story
She said she was “in such shock” at the news.
(Amy Dowden Instagram)
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 10:30
Strictly’s Karen Hauer says she is ‘heartbroken’
She said Windsor was a “beautiful human being”, while Strictly host Claudia Winkleman commented on the post writing: “That’s heartbreaking.”
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 10:14
In pictures: Windsor dancing with his Strictly celeb partners
Windsor with his Strictly partners Riley, Meaden, Kensit and Dobson:
(PA)
Windsor and Deborah Meaden
(PA)
(PA)
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Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 09:50
Former Strictly pro Erin Boag remembers ‘talented man’
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 09:40
Lisa Riley shares post about her ‘bestie’
Riley, who got to fifth place with Windsor on Strictly, has posted a tribute:
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 09:30
Reid and Windsor dancing together in 2011
A photo of the GMB presenter and the dancer performing together on a Children in Need special:
(PA)
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 09:20
Susanna Reid says Windsor made her ‘fall in love with dancing’
On today’s Good Morning Britain, Reid paid tribute to Windsor, who she had danced with in 2011 on the Strictly Come Dancing Children in Need Special.
After Ed Balls read out a statement from the Facebook page of the dance company Windsor founded, Burn the Floor, announcing the tragic news, Reid spoke about how there was something “very special” about Windsor.
“Robin was larger than life and I fell in love with him and fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then.” she said.
“He was an absolutely remarkable dancer – incredibly strong, so creative. He’s just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him. He was the most incredible personality and as soon as I danced with him, there was something very special about him.”
Reid turned to Richard Arnold, who had starred on the same show as Windsor in 2012.
Tearfully, Arnold said, “I can’t quite believe it, actually – such heart, such a talent, such a twinkler. It’s a bit of a shock to be honest.”
Reid went on to say she has “wonderful memories” of Windsor.
“He was a very special dancer – very sensual, wonderfully exuberant, endlessly enthusiastic, full of strength and creativity and sparkle. He made me fall in love with dancing. Anyone who watched Robin Windsor dance on Strictly, or Burn the Floor, or his other shows would have fallen in love with dance. He was just a fabulous, phenomenal personality.”
She called the news “devastating”.
Susanna Reid fights back tears as she announces death of Strictly Come Dancing partner
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 09:00
Windsor’s ex, Marcus Collins, says ‘the world just got a lot less sparkly’
Windsor’s ex-boyfriend Collins, who featured on ITV reality competition The X Factor in 2011 and was mentored by Gary Barlow, has shared a tribute. The couple appeared on the cover of Gay Times together in 2014.
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 08:55
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood tweets about ‘dear friend’
The judge posted: “I have just heard the tragic news my dear friend ‘Bobby’ Robin Windsor has passed. He was one of the [most] kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with. He will be forever missed. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. RIP darling man, you were truly loved x.”
Ellie Harrison20 February 2024 08:49