by Robin Windsor, a former professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 44, his dance company has announced.
Windsor joined the BBC competition in 2010 and took part in four series before leaving the show. His celebrity partners included actresses Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley as well as Dragon’s Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden.
Windsor’s agents and co-stars were among the first to pay tribute to the dancer, who revealed he struggled with depression while on the show. In 2018, Windsor told the Dancing Times: “We all have dark days but I’ve had dark weeks.
“Eventually I wouldn’t get out of bed for four or five days at a time, as far as everyone was concerned I was a ‘happy Robin’ – except the people I lived with.”
Mr Windsor’s former partner Marcus Collins, who was a finalist on ITV talent show The X-Factor in 2011, said on his Instagram page: “The world just got a lot less flashy. Robin you were so loved.”
No cause of death has yet been given.
The news was confirmed by Sisco Entertainment, which has represented Windsor in various areas of theater and corporate entertainment.
A statement said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic death of our dear friend, Robin Windsor.
“Robin’s presence in Come What May was just a performance; he was an embodiment of passion, friendship, and sheer talent. Her smile was contagious, her kindness boundless.
“His friendship was a gift that he was privileged to know. Robin, you will be greatly missed.
A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: “The entire Strictly Come Dancing family is very saddened to hear the news of our friend Robin Windsor.
He was not only an extremely talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, thoughtful and kind person on and off the dance floor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”
Burn the Floor, an international Latin and ballroom dance company, said in a statement on its Facebook page that Mr Windsor’s death leaves “a void in our hearts that will never be filled”.
“He is a touring BTF man who has danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and our crazy adventures around the world,” the statement said. “His wonderful image that was attached to Jessica Raffa defined our company, handsome, extreme and sensible.
“His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped build the reputation of the Burn the Floor stage. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, but our wonderful memories will remain forever.
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid fought back tears when she announced Windsor’s death on Tuesday.
Reid previously danced with Robin on BBC One’s Children In Need special back in 2011 and made the announcement to co-presenter Ed Balls as she was visibly shocked.
She said: He was just an extraordinary person and as I say, so many people would have caught him watching Strictly Come Dancing or Burn The Floor or other tours and dance performances he was involved in.
“I’m sorry if you’re waking up to that this morning and you’re as devastated about it as we are.”
“We send all our love to Robin’s family and to his friends and colleagues.”
Loved by so many
Paying tribute to Windsor, Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote on Twitter: “Heard the tragic news of the death of my friend ‘Bobby’ Robin Windsor.
“He was one of the kindest, sweetest, most honest, funny and caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. He will be missed forever. My heart goes out to all his family and friends.
“RIP my dear, you were much loved x.”
Patrick Helm, the show’s choreographer, said Windsor was someone who was loved by so many people but he couldn’t see himself.
He wrote in tribute: “I don’t even know how to find the words in this post. I miss you so much Robin Windsor
“This one has hit me hard and too close to home. My deepest condolences to your family and everyone who knew you! You were another person that so many people loved but he couldn’t see it himself.
“That you would be free in the end and get a piece [sic]. RIP Bobby.”
Lisa Riley, the Emmerdale star and presenter who played Windsor on Strictly in 2012, said she was “heartbroken” after the news.
Along with a selection of images of them smiling and laughing together posted on twitter, Riley wrote: “My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel, now our Angel forever, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart .
“My broken heart, I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven. Shine In Peace.”
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan described it as “legendary” as he applauded.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with this man for so many years on Strictly – I have such fond memories of him”, he wrote in an Instagram post.
“He was always very caring and fun to be around. He was respected by everyone he came in contact with, from his celebrity partners to his work colleagues. You will miss an old friend.”
Windsor first started dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich, according to his website. He went on to represent England in numerous championships, both domestically and internationally.
He joined the cast of the show Burn The Floor in 2001 and toured the world for 10 years, with a nine-month run on Broadway.
Windsor has also appeared in Dancing With The Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands and contributed to the choreography for the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance, as well as acting as a motivational speaker.
A statement on Windsor’s official website confirming his death said: It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic death of our beautiful Robin.
“Robin started dancing from a very young age and has never stopped. He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun. He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance.
“Strictly Come Dancing, Burn the Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country he gave his time.
“Robin was a strong supporter of mental health and worked closely with the ‘Sane Charity’.
“The dance world today has lost some of its excitement. We ask for the family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”
