Tributes from Strictly co-stars and partners have poured in following the news.
Former Strictly professional Robin Windsor has died at the age of 44.
The dancer was part of the Strictly pro line-up from 2010 to 2015, and more recently appeared in Moulin Rouge stage show Come What May. Windsor’s rep Sisco Entertainment released a statement confirming the news of his passing.
The statement read: “Robin’s presence in Come What May was more than just a performance, it was 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.
“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.”
Tributes for Windsor have poured in since the announcement, including an official tribute from Strictly Come Dancing.
“The whole Strictly Come Dancing family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor,” the statement reads. “He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the danceflor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time.”
“He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor”
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) February 20, 2024
The @BBCStrictly family pays tribute to their dear friend Robin Windsor pic.twitter.com/RqtHk1hNIP
Strictly judges and some the famous faces Windsor was partnered up with during his time on the show, such as presenter Susanna Reid and actress and comedian Lisa Riley, also honoured the star.
💔💔💔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 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/VFG47YluHt
— LISA RILEY (BLUE TICK) (@Reallisariley) February 20, 2024
Reid, who was paired up with Windsor for the 2011 Children In Need special, honoured the star during Tuesday morning’s Good Morning Britain segment.
She said: “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. 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.”
Co-host Richard Arnold, who starred on the same show as Windsor in 2012, added: “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 recall Windsor as a “very sensual, wonderfully exuberant, endlessly enthusiastic” dancer who was “full of strength and creativity and sparkle”.
Strictly Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Bruno Tonioli all took to social media to pay tribute to the star. “He was one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with,” Horwood wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
I have just heard the tragic news my dear friend ’Bobby’ Robin Windsor has passed. He was one of the 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 & friends. RIP…
— Craig Revel Horwood (@CraigRevHorwood) February 20, 2024
In an Instagram post, Tonioli wrote “it was a pleasure working with Robin for many years @bbcstrictly so professional easy going a really good person”.
Du Beke shared that he was “absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Robin” who he has known for “the best part of twenty five years – from a young competitor to a star on Strictly Come Dancing.”
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. We’re going to miss you, Robin. x pic.twitter.com/O1NNZhA685
— Anton Du Beke (@TheAntonDuBeke) February 20, 2024
Actress and comedian Lisa Riley, who danced with Wilson in the 2012 season of Strictly, also paid tribute to her former pro partner on X, sharing several pictures of the pair. “I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven,” she wrote.
Windsor was born in Ipswich and moved to London at the age of 15 to pursue a dancing career. As well as his time on Strictly, he appeared on theatre productions and founded dance company Burn the Floor.