Strictly star Robin Windsor's cause of death after dancer found dead in hotel
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor's death at the age of 44 was announced last month, with tributes pouring in for the late star from across the world.
Ballroom & Latin dance company Burn The Floor, of which Robin was a founding member, announced the sad news about Robin's death in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 20th February, and fans and friends rushed to pay tribute to the much-loved dancer who was part of the original line-up on Strictly. He remained a popular figure among fans of the BBC dance competition after he left.
When the news of his passing first broke, details such as the date or the cause of his death were not known. However, it has since been reported that 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.
Family statement
Robin's family shared a heartbreaking tribute to the Strictly star following his death. On Thursday, a statement shared with The Mirror read: "We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and celebration of our beloved Robin. While we understand that there is a huge public and media interest around his passing, we as a family need time to process our shock and grief. We ask for the needs of our family and friends to be taken into consideration and for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time."
'Please help me'
Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima has opened up about his friend in the wake of his heartbreaking death. “He was always the one who would push himself to the limit on a tour. 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," Graziano explained in an interview following Robin's tragic death.
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"We did rehearsals for two weeks nonstop. I could see the pain, but he would never stop," Graziano, who spent three years touring the West End with Robin, added to The Express. The professional dancer went on to tell the publication: "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."
Amy Dowden's tribute
Appearing on Lorraine on Tuesday 27th February, Strictly star Amy Dowden remembered Robin as a "phenomenal" dancer as she paid tribute to her late co-star. Amy told host Lorraine Kelly how she had recently been to see Robin perform and insisted he will always be "part of the Strictly family".
Speaking on ITV in the wake of good news regarding her cancer diagnosis, Amy said: "He is such a beautiful soul. I know it’s made a huge impact on the family at Strictly. I just hope he knows how loved he was. He made the whole room light up. I loved watching him perform, I went to watch him recently in ‘Come What May’ in Wolverhampton with my friends. He was just phenomenal. It’s been a big shock and caused a big impact. He will always remain part of the Strictly family."
Former boyfriend pays tribute
Marcus paid tribute to his partner on Instagram (marcuscollinsuk/Instagram)
The couple were together for 18 months (Getty Images)Marcus Collins has been sharing tributes to his former boyfriend Robin, after they were together for 18 months. Taking to Instagram, he shared a clip of American singer Yebba and captioned it: "@robinwindsor Be at Peace my darling." Marcus had previously shared a tribute to Robin following the news of his death.
He shared a black and white photo of them together and wrote: "The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin, You were so loved." Friends and fans rushed to the comment section to pay tribute to the star, with one user writing: "That’s so sad. My condolences. I met him a few times. He was wonderful."
'Just wanted to be loved'
Strictly co-star Vincent Simone, who had known Robin since he was 17, has shared how the star was a hopeless romantic. He told The Mirror: “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.
“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.” Robin was previously engaged to Davide Cini after getting down on one knee on a romantic helicopter ride in 2013 before splitting a year later. After his relationship with Davide broke down, Robin went on to find love again with X-Factor star Marcus Collins.
'Didn't know he was loved'
Earlier this year, author Nicola Rayner called Robin after she said he experienced another depressive episode. "In our last call, I could hear the flatness in his voice, the catch in his breath as he chain-smoked at the other end of the phone," she wrote in the Telegraph. "I told him, as many others who cared about him will have done, 'You are so loved'. 'I know,' he said. But I’m not sure that he did. Not really."
Robin with his former dance partner Deborah Meaden (PA)
Many have paid tribute and shared their memories of the Strictly legend (Men)'Robin was a good man'
His former Strictly Come Dancing partner Deborah Meaden paid tribute to the dancer in a touching Instagram post. She shared a snap of the two in costume for the BBC competition.
"I have been thinking of Robin (Bobby) since I heard the devastating News," she said. "Thinking of his Family, friends, and loved ones who will be aching at the loss. I have also been thinking of what to say. Robin was a good Man. He was kind and incredibly generous, supporting so many charities, helping so many people and giving so much of himself wherever he went.
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"He lit up a room with his fun and energy and certainly his sparkle…he was never happier than when he was covered in crystals! He was talented, clever ( a great partner for a quiz), and fun. He taught my Mother to dance for her 80th Birthday party and they whirled around the dance floor at her party….he knew how to make people feel good. He was also complex and human and open about the struggles of life after the limelight. I was lucky to have known you, Robin, it’s hard to know you are gone."
Three-day search
Robin'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 told The Mirror: “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 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 fiancé Davide.
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. 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.”
Haunting mental health video
Mental health charity SANE, of which Robin was an ambassador, shared a video of the late star where he bravely opened up about his own experiences. In the video, Robin can be heard saying: "Once I spoke to someone who completely listened, they didn't really have to give me advice, they just had to listen and I could see that they wanted me to be better. It's picking the right person to speak to."
The charity said: "We were very distressed to learn of the death of Robin Windsor, one of SANE’s most vigorous and loyal ambassadors," the charity wrote as it shared the video online. He brought the elegance, energy and sheer joy of his dancing into mental health and gave hope to those, like him, who have struggled with dark times."
Hotel room death
It was revealed by MailOnline on Wednesday that the former BBC star was discovered in a room in an unnamed London hotel shortly after returning from a "dream" holiday in South Africa. The late dancer was described as a "nurturing soul" who "lit up any room he walked into" by a friend who shared details of his final days.
The friend claimed to MailOnline that Robin had mentioned something seemingly traumatic happening over New Year but didn't reveal what it was. It was after this that Robin travelled to South Africa and while in the sun-drenched location posted numerous photos of his time abroad. The friend told the publication: "He [Robin] kept saying that something had happened over New Year but he wouldn't say what it was. He sounded absolutely traumatised – whatever had happened must have been truly awful."
Robin spent time in South Africa before his death (Instagram/ @robinwindsor)
The Strictly star posted photos of his trip online (Instagram/ @robinwindsor)Worrying update
Fans were concerned when Kristina Rihanoff shared a worrying post about Robin's health. The Strictly professional paid tribute to her friend and dance partner Robin. In a lengthy post, she spoke to the "pain and devastation" she felt following his passing, and admitted he was "struggling more and more" in the lead-up to his death, citing "instability of work" and "excruciating back pain".
Kristina told her Instagram followers: "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 love 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."
She went on to add: "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."
Final weeks
In his final weeks, Robin lived life to the fullest as he shared snaps from his time in South Africa. Beneath one image of him, one of Robin’s fans revealed they’d been “dancing in his arms just a couple of weeks ago” as they shared their memories of him. At the end of January, his former Strictly partner Deborah Meaden also revealed Robin had met up with her elderly mother while they were both in South Africa.
However, in the same weeks before his death, Robin took to social media where 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."
Fans have since gathered in the comments underneath his final haunting post to share their memories of the late star, with one writing: "So very sad he taught nurses n Oxford health to dance online during the pandemic. Was thrilled to attend his sessions his kindness and generosity at a time f great stress for the NHs will always be a highlight of that time for me God Bless a beautiful man."
Strictly statement
Following his death, a statement was also released by Strictly, which read: "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."
Robin's death was first announced in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with Burn The Floor sharing a statement on Facebook. The dance company wrote: "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." The dance company then returned to social media a few hours later, sharing another picture of Robin and stating: "Today we all dance for you. Burn The Floor would not be Burn The Floor without you. Fly with the angels Robin. Rest in Peace."
TV tributes
Tributes flooded in for Robin including from the likes of professional dancer James Jordan and Susanna Reid teared up as she paid tribute to her former dance partner on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. "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]," the heartbroken star told ITV viewers. "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."
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole was in shock as he appeared on the ITV show via phone later in the episode, fighting back the tears as he paid tribute to his late co-star. "It's completely devastating," Brendan as he spoke alongside Erin Boag. "Condolences to you, Susanna, you danced with him, you must have spent a lot of time with him. Erin and I spent many years on and off the dance floor with him."
This Morning presenter Alison Hammond was heartbroken as she hosted the ITV show in the wake of Robin's death. Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong also paid tribute to the professional dancer. Robin's ex-fiance Davide Cini was "overwhelmed" by the news and thanked fans for their support as he tried to "come to terms with this tragic loss, while ex-boyfriend Marcus Collins shared a touching tribute on Instagram.
Debilitating injury
Back in 2014, Robin admitted he was at risk of ending up in a wheelchair if he didn't quit Strictly. Speaking to The Mirror at the time about the pain he experienced, which led to him being paralysed for three days, he shared: "I have a slipped disc in my back and the nerve is exposed, causing agonising pains shooting down my leg. A week ago I was paralysed on the floor of my friend's house as the pain was so bad. I was there for three or four days. I couldn't risk going ahead. It was a heartbreaking decision but I had no choice. If the slipped disc had popped out while I was dancing, I could have ended up with permanent nerve damage and been in a wheelchair."
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, 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.
"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! 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."
Three weeks before his death ,Robin posted a haunting final photo on Instagram (INSTAGRAM)
Robin was active on Instagram before his death (Instagram/ @robinwindsor)Troubling social media update
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.”
On January 4, Robin reached out to his followers, apologising for not replying to their messages due to a difficult time. Later, he shared a quote from Dr Thema Bryant about trauma, suggesting he had experienced some himself. Robin had previously shared about his struggle with depression and how he found it hard to watch Strictly after exiting the programme.
Last photo
One of the final pictures of Robin was shared on Instagram earlier this month, with @mickyzanycomic posting a snap of the late star beaming alongside two other people on board a cruise in South Africa. The caption read: "Another great cruise on the beautiful Bolette @fred.olsencruiselines with an amazing group of entertainers. Thank you to @andy.god3 and @abbie.edwards9 and all the team on board for a brilliant three weeks in South Africa."
One of the final pictures of Robin was shared on Instagram earlier this monthStrictly star Kristina Rihanoff spoke of Robin Windsor's health, where she said that Robin had battled with his mental health for many years and was open with fans and friends about it. She said: "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 love 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." *If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected]
'Begged for help'
Graziano Di Prima recalled the physical pain his friend Robin Windsor suffered from following the Strictly Come Dancing star's tragic death at the age of 44. 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."
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.
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."
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