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Strictly Come Dancing’s Robin Windsor has died aged 44 – and his legacy has been remembered by co-stars and close friends in the industry.
Among them was Lisa Armstrong, who worked closely with the dancer when she was head of make-up and hair on Strictly.
The ex-wife of Ant McPartlin said she was ‘absolutely devastated’ by the blow of Windsor’s death.
‘Robin you were truly loved and will be truly missed!!…. RIP Bobby… ‘ she wrote on Instagram.
The professional dancer joined the BBC competition in 2010 where he partnered Lisa Riley, Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Deborah Meaden, and took on the Christmas special with Alison Hammond and Sara Cox.
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Following the news of his death, Alison sent in a message to This Morning to remember her Strictly partner, which was read by host Craig Doyle.
‘I am completely heartbroken,’ her statement began.
‘He was one of the nicest people to work with. He was so much fun to be around. I had the pleasure of dancing with him on the [2015] Christmas special, and there were such happy times.
‘My thoughts are with his family and friends.’
Deborah also shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing she had been thinking of him all day since hearing the ‘devastating news’.
‘Thinking of his Family, friends, loved ones who will be aching at the loss. I have also been thinking of what to say. Robin was a good Man. He was kind and incredibly generous, supporting so many charities, helping so many people and giving so much of himself wherever he went,’ she continued.
‘He lit up a room with his fun and energy and certainly his sparkle…he was never happier than when he was covered in crystals!. He was talented, clever ( a great partner for a quiz), and fun.
‘He taught my Mother to dance for her 80th Birthday party and they whirled around the dance floor at her party….he knew how to make people feel good .He was also complex and human and open about the struggles of life after the limelight.’
She concluded: ‘I was lucky to have known you Robin, it’s hard to know you are gone x.’
Emmerdale actress Lisa, who achieved fifth place with Windsor, has shared her devastation alongside a collage of photos of the pair.
‘My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel…….now our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart.
‘I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. 💔💔💔 SHINE IN PEACE,’ she penned.
Long before Strictly, Windsor and Anton Du Beke were in each other’s lives due to both being competing dancers. Anton always knew that Windsor was a ‘star’.
‘Absolutely devasted to hear the sad news about Robin, a person I’ve known for the best part of twenty five years – from a young competitor to a star of Strictly Come Dancing. In my eyes he was always a star,’ he shared.
‘We’re going to miss you, Robin. x’
Craig Revel Horwood, who also sits on the judging panel called Windsor ‘one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people’. While head judge Shirley Ballas said: ‘Robin Windsor … kind, gracious, gentle and extremely hard working. A wonderful dancer, true gentleman, good soul and so very young.
‘You will be dearly missed by so many. Dance with the angels my friend.’
Former Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said it was a ‘pleasure’ to work with Windsor: ‘Incredibly sad shocking news @robinwindsor it was a pleasure working with Robin for many years @bbcstrictly so professional easy going a really good person much to [young] to go RIP my dear friend Keep Dancing in heaven ❤️ Bruno.’
Former judge Dame Arlene Phillips called Windsor ‘sweet and kind’ and revealed he reached out to her as he wanted to embark on a career in musical theatre choreography.
‘He reached out to me not too long ago. And I wish… You look back and go, “Why didn’t I say you can do this right now?” So there’s much, much sadness.’
‘He reached out to me not too long ago. And I wish… You look back and go, “Why didn’t I say you can do this right now?” So there’s much, much sadness.’
Host Tess Daly posted a heartfelt tribute to Windsor: ‘Such terribly sad news today. Gone too young @robinwindsor 💔 Your infectious personality, energy and talent will be deeply missed by all who knew you. My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time ♥️’
Windsor was in a relationship with X Factor singer Marcus Collins from 2013 to 2015. Following Windsor’s passing he posted photos from their time together.
He stated: ‘The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin, you were so loved.’
Dancer Michelle Tsiak appeared on Morning Live to give a special tribute to Windsor: ‘He was such a big part of the show. He was an incredible person, and an incredible dancer. I just want to send all my love to his family and the close ones. It’s heartbreaking.’
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An emotional Susanna Reid, who competed on Strictly in 2013, found it difficult to share the news on Good Morning Britain.
‘He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him,’ she said.
‘He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it.’
She later added: ‘He was very sensual, wonderfully exuberant. Full of strength and creativity. He made me fall in love with dancing. He was a fabulous, phenomenal personality.’
Windsor left Strictly in 2014 due to a slipped disc, but continued to appear on the spin-off show It Takes Two and support other stars.
His kindness to the competitors was remembered by RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who shared a video of them dancing together shortly after her elimination in 2019.
‘When I left Strictly, Robin was there ready to dance with me. I am SO SAD,’ she wrote.
Presenter Dan Walker revealed that Windsor sent him the ‘kindest message’ when he joined Strictly.
‘He was loved by so many on that show,’ Dan added.
Strictly dancers past and present shared their heartbreak at the loss. Amy Dowden was ‘in shock’ as she remembered a ‘kind, talented soul’, and ‘heartbroken’ Karen Hauer called him a ‘beautiful human being’. Presenter Claudia Winkleman commented: ‘That’s heartbreaking xx.’
Graziano di Prima shared a selfie of himself with Windsor and wrote: ‘Still can’t believe it. One of the nicest people I ever met. Robin 💔💔💔 RIP big man 😪.’
‘What tragic news to hear! 💔 Robin was one of the kindest, loving, professional, creative and beautiful humans… Robins smile, hugs, jokes and beautiful talent will be missed by us all. RIP,’ added Oti Mabuse.
Erin Boag wrote: ‘Such sad news to hear the passing of Robin Windsor. A truly great talented man. My thoughts are with his family. Robin you will be missed by so many. RIP.’
Aljaž Škorjanec and Windsor performed the first same-sex dance together on Strictly in 2014, paving the way for a more inclusive future. His partner simply wrote: ‘Rest easy dear friend.’
Showing his kind spirit, Joanne Clifton wrote about a recent gift she’d given him and shared videos of them dancing together.
‘My friend .. This is how I’ll always remember you, remember us.
‘You sent me a jigsaw puzzle to the theatre in Blackpool, just because it “made you think of me” .. and now you’re gone.
‘I don’t know what to say. My heart is broken. I’ll miss you so much 💔’
James Jordan, a Strictly professional from 2006 until 2013, wrote about how much everyone adored him.
‘I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly – I have such fond memories of him.
‘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.
‘You will be missed old friend.’
The whole Strictly team put out a joint statement, which called Robin an ‘exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor’.
His death was announced on Facebook by Burn The Floor, the dance company that he founded.
‘The Burn the Floor (BTF) family has lost one of its founding members, Robin “Bobby” Windsor – who has tragically passed away,’ the statement read.
‘A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world.
‘His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual.
‘His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever.’
Production company Sisco Entertainment, who represented Windsor, said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor.’
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Windsor recently starred in Come What May – a tribute show to Moulin Rouge, and Sisco describes his performance as an ’embodiment of passion, grace and sheer talent’.
‘His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
‘Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth. His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless.
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‘His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed. Though Come What May will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light.’
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