21 February 2024 , 20:00
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Robin Windsor’s friends launched a frantic three-day search to save the Strictly star after he went missing last week.
Vincent Simone, who has known Robin since he was 17, said a close friend of the dancer began frantically ringing his pals after he vanished. But tragically they were too late, and Robin, 44, was found dead in a London hotel room on Monday.
Dancer Vincent, who was hoping to work with Robin later this year, told how his pal’s loss has left him heartbroken. He said: “The first thing I thought of when I opened my eyes this morning was Robin. He was the best man I ever met. Robin has had these moments in the past – it was an ongoing problem. He would detach himself from people for two or three days. Then he would come back to the world, to reality. But this time, he didn’t come back.”
Robin Windsor passed away this month at the age of 44 (BBC)Robin had spoken openly about his battle with depression. But Vincent, 44, says his struggles began before he was axed from Strictly in 2015 after being forced to take time off following a back operation. He remembers Robin speaking about feeling depressed during his final season on Strictly in 2013, in the months before he split from fiance Davide Cini.
Vincent added Robin’s failure to find a committed relationship remained a source of torment. He said: “Robin was always falling in love. It was a big thing for him. The poor man just wanted to be loved. He had loads of love from the rest of us, almost too much.
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“But I almost lost count of his boyfriends. He wasn’t that person who slept around, but he wanted a full on serious relationship. He was looking for love, a marriage, something serious. I think it was his love life, his relationships, that he struggled with the most.”
Since the news of his death broke on Tuesday, tributes have flooded in for the charismatic star, who partnered Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Lisa Riley and Deborah Meaden in four series on Strictly.
Vincent Simone has opened up about Robin's struggles (Getty Images)
Robin was a pro dancer on Strictly from 2010 until 2013 (WireImage)Vincent added: “Robin was just such a breath of fresh air, he was such a lovely guy. Everyone loved him, he had so much love from people. Our business can be fierce, but he was so kind, and never had a bad word for everyone.
“I really encourage anyone who needs help, like he did, to go and speak to someone, There is loads of help available. You might think you’re invincible, or be too proud, but you have to drop your guard and go and get that help.”
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch