Strictly's Graziano Di Prima says Robin Windsor begged him for help
Graziano Di Prima has recalled the physical pain his friend Robin Windsor suffered from following the Strictly Come Dancing star's tragic death at the age of 44.
Robin's passing was announced last week, with tributes pouring in for the late dancer from his fellow Strictly pros, ex partners and thousands of fans from across the world. The popular star was found dead inside a London hotel, after previously confiding in a friend about a "troubling incident" that took place over New Year.
Speaking in the wake of his friend's death last week, Graziano paid tribute to Robin, describing him as "so strong", and revealed the lengths the late star would go to in order to perform on stage - recalling how Robin was once in excruciating agony and was left shaking from the pain.
"He was always the one who would push himself to the limit on a tour," Graziano explained in an interview on Friday. "One day he came and said to me, 'Please help me, I've got so much pain in my shoulder', and he was shaking from the pain. We did rehearsals for two weeks nonstop. I could see the pain, but he would never stop."
'He was so strong,' Graziano Di Prima says of his late friend (@grazianodiprima/Instagram)Robin had been one of the founding members of Burn The Floor - and Graziano had joined in, spending three joyful years touring with the hit West End show. Speaking to The Express, Graziano voiced his admiration for Robin's determination and resilience. "He showed people that if you really love dancing, you can do it, no matter how much pain you're in. He was so strong," Graziano gushed.
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Robin danced on Strictly Come Dancing for four years before a severe back injury caused a slipped disc and excruciating twinges. That painful moment forced Robin, who had seen dance as his entire world, to quit the BBC show. Before this, he had successful on-screen partnerships with celebrities like Patsy Kensit, Anita Dobson, Deborah Meaden and Lisa Riley. His fellow professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff, who danced with him in Burn The Floor and the Strictly Live tours, said on social media that he was "absolutely destroyed" when BBC bosses let him go in 2015.
In her online tribute to Robin, Kristina wrote: "Many of you, who went to see his farewell tour, know perfectly well that he spoke very openly about his mental health struggles and thoughts of a suicide. I’m sure it was devastating for anyone who loved Robin to hear something like that, but those thoughts were in his head for quite many years and it’s so deeply sad that he felt that he is better to another place rather than stay here. Too much pain too much disappointment, too much neglect."
The Strictly star went on to tell her Instagram followers: "I was asked today to appear on every news outlet, every TV show to pay tribute him to which I said no. Not today, not over Zoom saying a couple of words what a great guy he was - the truth is he was an incredible person and it’s absolute tragedy that he felt there was no way out. Thank you for everything Robin, rest in peace."
Burn The Floor announced Robin's death on Tuesday 20th February, sharing a statement on Facebook in the early hours of the morning. "The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin 'Bobby' Windsor - who has tragically passed away," the dance company began when writing the devastating update.
"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."
Strictly Come Dancing bosses quickly paid tribute to their late employee, with a spokesperson saying: "The whole Strictly Come Dancing family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor. He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dancefloor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time."
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