Robin Windsor death: Tributes from Susanna Reid, Amy Dowden and Lisa Riley after Strictly star dies suddenly
Windsor, who was forced to step back from the BBC One competition in 2013, is being remembered for his ‘infectious energy and warmth’
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Tributes flooded 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.
‘Loved by so many but couldn’t see it himself'
Patrick Helm, a choreographer on Strictly, wrote in a tribute: “I don’t even know how to find the words to this post. I will dearly miss you Robin Windsor. “This one is hitting me hard and too close to home. My deepest condolences go to your family and everyone who knew you! You were another one who was loved by so many but couldn’t see it himself. “May you finally be free and find peace. RIP Bobby.”
Kristina Rihanoff posts about Windsor’s ‘excruciating’ pain
The pro dancer shared a post on her Instagram about the spine injury that ended Windsor’s Strictly career.
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.
In her post, Rihanoff said: “He was struggling more and more with instability of work and excruciating back pain because of the injury he had suffered during Strictly...
“Sadly, us dancers, always neglect our health because we always after the next gig, the next job and he just couldn’t look after his injury properly until there was nothing left to do but have an operation which also put him out of work for quite some time...”
Amy Dowden shares Instagram story
She said she was “in such shock” at the news.
Windsor’s best moments
From his iconic dance partnership with Lisa Riley to performances on charity show specials, take a look at some of Windsor’s best moments.
Dan Walker remembers Windsor sending him a kind message
TV presenter Dan Walker, who competed on Strictly in 2021, wrote on X: “How sad to hear about the death of Robin Windsor. Just 44 years old! He sent me the kindest message when I was on Strictly and he was loved by so many on that show.”
Former Strictly pro Erin Boag remembers ‘talented man’
“Such sad news to hear the passing of Robin Windsor,” she posted on Twitter/X. “A truly great talented man. My thoughts are with his family. Robin you will be missed by so many. RIP.”
Video: Robin Windsor performs first ever same sex dance on Strictly Come Dancing
Former Strictly pro James Jordan pays tribute to ‘caring’ friend
Windor’s fellow ex-Strictly professional, James Jordan, paid tribute to the star, whom he called an “old friend”.
“I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly – I have such fond memories of him,” Jordan wrote on Instagram, adding: “He was always very caring and fun to be around. Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues.”
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”.
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