BBC Strictly Come Dancing Robin Windsor's haunting final post as he dies at 44

20 February 2024 , 07:51

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Former Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor has died at the age of 44 (Image: Men)

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has died aged 44.

Three weeks ,Robin posted a haunting final photo on Instagram in which he spoke about “hiding” and “darkness”. The dancer could be seen standing against a black wall while wearing an all-black outfit in the image and wrote beneath his selfie: “Hiding in the shadows.”

The dancer's death was announced by Burn The Floor on in the early hours of Tuesday, with the dance company telling fans: "The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin ‘Bobby’ Windsor - who has tragically passed away.

Three weeks before his death , Robin posted a haunting final photo on Instagram (Instagram)

Robin was famously paired with Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden on the BBC show (PA)

“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." No further details of his tragic death have been announced.

Robin was also active on X, formerly Twitter, late last month where he reposted a sweet message from his former celebrity Strictly partner, Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden. Deborah wrote on the platform in January: "11 years after we did @bbcstrictly together this happens and it is just lovely!! The wonderful @Robinwindsor and my Mum ( yep...87 years and amazing!!) meeting up in South Africa...don't you just love it!!" Making it clear how much fun he'd had meeting the businesswoman's mum, Robin added three love hearts.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Fans and friends alike have paid tribute (Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

Robin was also active on X, formerly Twitter, late last month where he reposted a sweet message from his former celebrity Strictly partner, Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden (PA)

James Jordan was one of the first to take to social media this morning to remember his friend. Sharing a promotional image of Robin during his time on , James told his Instagram followers: "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."

TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher was quick to comment on James' tribute, writing: "Gosh how sad." "Such sad news and thinking of all who loved and knew him," another Instagram user added, as someone else wrote: "Oh no. this is sad news as i loved watching Strictly when he was dancing as he seemed like a really nice guy with a positive energy and lots of fun. RIP Robin. my love, thoughts and condolences to all of his family & friends… xxx."

Sisco Entertainment Group also announced Robin's death via a statement shared on social media. The tribute reads: "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. 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."

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Robin first joined the professional Strictly Come Dancing line-up in 2010 and was paired with Patsy Kensit but had to leave four years later due to an injury. The closest he got to winning was coming in fifth place with Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley in 2012.

Speaking at the end of 2022, Robin opened up about why he quit the BBC series - admitting he had no choice. He recalled: "Leaving Strictly wasn't my choice. I had a horrible back operation and they decided that they didn't want to ask me back the next year. It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit."

The dancer then went on to tell Betway: "One of my best friends Trent Whiddon, who replaced me to dance with Pixie Lott, I wanted to watch and support him, but it broke my heart. I was with Marcus Collins from The X Factor, who was my partner at the time, and said to him, 'I'm really struggling to watch the show'.

"He told me the best thing to do was to really get behind and support everybody. He said it was hard for him to watch the success of Little Mix, who beat him on X Factor. He was spot on!" Robin added: "From that day forward I made sure I supported everybody on the show. Being bitter about not being asked back was not going to help any situation. I learnt that was the right thing to do and I thank Marcus for that."

Aisha Nozari