20 February 2024 , 10:49
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Alison Hammond has paid a heartbreaking tribute to Strictly Come Dancing star Robin Windsor, who has died aged 44.
This Morning host Alison was partnered with Robin in the 2015 Christmas special of Strictly, whilst Robin has also danced with the likes of Deborah Meaden, Susanna Reid and Emmerdale star Lisa Riley amongst others. He was in the original professional dancer line up for the show but was forced to quit after four years owing to his back injury.
Burn The Floor posted a statement to confirm Robin's sad death, in which they shared: "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."
Alison and Robin took part in the Christmas special (BBC)Alison has now shared a tribute to her former dance partner following his death. In a statement read out on This Morning today by hosts Craig Doyle and Josie Gibson, Alison shared: "I've just heard the very sad news about Robin's passing. 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."
Robin first joined the professional Strictly Come Dancing line-up in 2010 but pulled out four years later due to injury. Speaking at the end of 2022 about why he left, he admitted it wasn't his decision as 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.
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"It was probably for health and safety reasons, in case something happened, but I was physically fit. 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."
He added: "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!
"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."
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