Robin Windsor, former Strictly Come Dancing professional, dies at 44

The former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has died at the age of 44.

He most recently appeared in the stage show Come What May, a tribute to Moulin Rouge.

Windsor appeared on Strictly between 2010 and 2015, and was paired with celebrities including the actors Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson and Lisa Riley and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden. He also danced with Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas special and with Susanna Reid in 2011’s Children in Need special.

A statement from Sisco Entertainment, which represented him in various areas of theatre and corporate entertainment, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend Robin Windsor.

“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.”

The Latin and ballroom dancer first began dancing at the age of three. Photograph: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood called Windsor a “dear friend”, describing him as “one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with.” Head judge Shirley Ballas said Windsor was: “A wonderful dancer, true gentleman, good soul and so very young.”

Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid, who danced with Windsor on a Children in Need special in 2011, was overcome with emotion when announcing the news of the dancer’s death on air, saying: “I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to read this,” and had to briefly hand over to her co-host Ed Balls.

“Robin was larger than life. I fell in love with him and I fell in love with dancing when I danced with him back then,” she continued after a brief pause. “I just adored him. He was the most incredible personality. There was something very special about him.”

Former Strictly Judge Arlene Phillips appeared on BBC Morning Live to talk about her memories of Windsor. “I’m often staging charity events and I could always call Robin and say I need a dancer – and Robin would be there,” she said.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook from early morning today with people passing on condolences or sharing stories. He’s much, much missed.”

Referring to Windsor’s partnership with Lisa Riley on the 2012 series of Strictly, Phillips said: “In my world, Robin was the most powerful Latin dancer you could wish for. Dancing with Lisa Riley was, for him, one of the most exciting things that had happened on Strictly, because she was powerful, because Robin loved the edge of danger … and I think he shared that with Lisa. There was something with Lisa that just took off into the stratosphere.”

Riley described Windsor as “My Bestie” and said he “will be loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart.”

Russell Grant, who appeared alongside the dancer on the 2011 series said: “Anyone who has been on Strictly will know each season you become a close ‘family’ unit. We laughed, we cried, we had the best of times with Robin and Anita Dobson. Keeping a place at Gail’s for us, Robin.”

A statement from the dance show Burn the Floor, in which Windsor appeared for many years, said: “The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin “Bobby” Windsor, who has tragically passed away. A BTF journeyman he danced with us for 20 years, including Broadway, the West End and all our crazy adventures around the world.”

The company shared a photo of Windsor on stage with fellow dancer Jessica Raffa, adding: “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 for ever.”

The Latin and ballroom dancer first began 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 on the domestic and international levels.

He joined the cast of show Burn the Floor in 2001 and toured the world for 10 years, with a nine-month run on Broadway.

Windsor also appeared in Dancing with the Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in the Netherlands and assisted in the choreography for the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance, as well as working as a motivational speaker.