Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor dies aged 44

20 February 2024, 08:12 GMT

Updated 42 minutes ago

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During his time on Strictly, Windsor partnered with Deborah Meaden, Lisa Riley, Anita Dobson and Patsy Kensit

Robin Windsor, a former professional on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 44.

He appeared on the BBC One show from 2010 until 2013, partnering with Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden.

Strictly Come Dancing co-host Claudia Winkleman described the news of Windsor’s death as “heartbreaking”.

Presenter Tess Daly said it was such terribly sad news”, adding Windsor was “gone too young”.

“Your infectious personality, energy and talent will be deeply missed by all who knew you,” Daly said. “My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time.”

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Watch: Emotional Susanna Reid announces Robin Windsor’s death on Good Morning Britain

“He was a remarkable dancer, incredibly strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing,” she said. “I just adored him, he was the most incredible personality, there was something very special about him.”

Windsor danced with Reid on a Children in Need special of Strictly. He was also paired with Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas special.

Strictly’s longest-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood described Windsor as “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 and friends.”

Strictly’s head judge Shirley Ballas added: “I’m very saddened to hear the devastating news about this beautiful human being this morning.

“Robin Windsor… kind, gracious, gentle and extremely hard working. A wonderful dancer, true gentleman, good soul and so very young.”

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Reid danced with Windsor on a Children in Need special of Strictly Come Dancing in 2011

Former judge Bruno Tonioli added: “Incredibly sad shocking news. It was a pleasure working with Robin for many years at Strictly, so professional easy going a really good person.”

“I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven.”

In a statement read out on This Morning, Hammond said: “I’m completely heartbroken. He was one of the nicest people to work with and so much fun to be around.

“I had the pleasure of dancing with him for the Strictly Christmas special and they were such special times. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Announcing Windsor’s death, Sisco Entertainment told BBC News: “His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.

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Actress Lisa Riley, who danced with Windsor on Strictly, said he would be “forever in my heart”

“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.”

Former Strictly pro James Jordan said: “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.”

Ballroom dance company Burn The Floor said it had “lost one of its founding members”.

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Windsor’s partners included Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden

“He danced with us for 20 years, including Broadway, the West End and all our crazy adventures around the world,” they said in a statement on social media. “He leaves a void in our hearts.”

Windsor was born in Suffolk, and first began dancing at the age of three when his parents enrolled him in classes in Ipswich, according to his website.

He moved to London aged 15 to pursue a dancing career and went on to represent England in numerous championships, both on the domestic and international levels.

In addition to Strictly, Windsor appeared on Dancing with the Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in Holland.

Windsor had most recently been starring in Come What May, a Moulin Rouge tribute show.

Windsor was an advocate for mental health and worked closely with the Sane Charity.

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The following year, Windsor was paired with Anita Dobson – who remained in the competition for nine weeks

Strictly professional Karen Hauer said she was “heartbroken”, describing Robin as a “beautiful human being”.

Posting on Instagram stories, Dianne Buswell said “it was a pleasure to share the stage” with Windsor, while Amy Dowden described him as a “kind, talented soul”.

In an Instagram comment, Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman said it was “heartbreaking”, while former pro dancer Oti Mabuse said: “Robin was one of the kindest, loving, professional, creative and beautiful humans.”

Pro dancer turned judge Anton Du Beke said he was “absolutely devastated to hear the sad news about Robin, a person I’ve known for the best part of 25 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.”

“I’m often doing or staging charity events and I could always call him and say ‘I need a dancer’ and Robin would be there.

“He was sweet and kind and… there was something so lovely about him – passionate, driven. And I am devastated he’s so young… he’s just a baby, as far as I’m concerned. He’ll be very, very, very, very much missed.”

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Windsor was partnered with Patsy Kensit in 2010, his first year on Strictly Come Dancing

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