Robin Windsor never wanted to leave Strictly and said exit 'broke his heart'
Robin Windsor was a favourite on Strictly Come Dancing ever since he first appeared on the hit BBC show in 2010, delighting fans with his partnerships with the likes of Alison Hammond and Lisa Riley.
Yet his abrupt exit in 2014 left fans devastated - and later the professional dancer revealed that it had not been his choice to leave and it "broke his heart". He had been paired up with Pixie Lott that year, but had been forced to pull out after struggling with a horrible back operation. Sadly, he explained that BBC bosses decided not to ask him to return the following year.
It comes after the heartbreaking news of Robin's death was confirmed today at 44 years old. His death was announced by companies associated with the late dancer, with no details regarding the date of his passing or the cause of his death.
In 2022, Robin spoke about his departure from Strictly, explaining how he had "no choice" in the matter. “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," he said. “It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit.”
Robin Windsor danced with Susanna Reid for a Children in Need special (PA)
Robin professionally danced with Kristina Rihanoff (Getty Images)Speaking to Betway, he continued: "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!”
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He bravely continued: "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.”
Susanna Reid, who danced with Robin for a Children In Need special, was fighting back the tears as she shared the sad news with Good Morning Britain viewers today. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley shared a collection of snaps of herself and Robin as she paid tribute online this morning, telling her followers: "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."
The dancer's death was announced by Burn The Floor on Facebook in the early hours of this morning, with the international Ballroom & Latin dance company telling fans: "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 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."
Susanna Reid was unable to read out the breaking news announcement on Good Morning Britain earlier today and asked her co-host Ed Balls to take over, before eventually paying an emotional tribute to Robin alongside her co-star Richard Arnold. She told ITV viewers: "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 [Children In Need's 2011 special]. He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, incredibly strong, so creative and he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him. He was the most incredible personality."
Richard, who appeared on the 2012 series of Strictly where Robin was a professional and paired with Lisa Riley, struggled to speak and fought back tears as he added: "I can't quite believe it actually because such heart, such a talent, I just can't quite.... bit of a shock actually, to be honest."
James Jordan took to social media this morning to remember his friend and pay tribute to Robin. Sharing a promotional image of Robin during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, 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."
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