Robin Windsor: The Strictly star has passed away aged 44

Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Robin Windsor has tragically passed away at the young age of 44. His death was announced by the international Ballroom & Latin dance company he co-founded, Burn The Floor. They posted on Facebook:

The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin 'Bobby' Windsor - who has tragically passed away.

The exact date or cause of his death remain unknown, but the star had previously opened up about a health battle that saw him forced to leave his position on Strictly. Let’s have a look at the health troubles he faced, and the heartwarming tributes people have shared since his death was announced.

Robin Windsor’s previous health struggles

Windsor first starred on Strictly in 2010 and during his time on the show, he had some unforgettable partners including Patsy Kensit and Lisa Riley - with whom he came fifth place in 2012. When he left, fans were devastated, but it wasn’t a simple decision. The dancer exited the show only four years after joining, due to injury.

He spoke out about the experience in 2022:

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.

He explained that one of his best friends, Trent Whiddon, replaced him. Although he wanted to watch and support his pal, it ‘broke his heart’ to see what he was missing out on. He explained:

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!

Windsor added: ‘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.’

Mental health struggles

That being said, Windsor faced several blows over the time of his injury and departure from the show. In 2020, he revealed that this had really knocked his mental health. Speaking to Dr Max's Mind Clinic podcast, he explained:

I suffered quite a lot during my time on Strictly - four things happened to me that were quite bad in my life. I had a financial situation and got a bill for £110,000. It took everything I ever had.

Then my engagement ended. I started having trouble with my back and I lost my job on Strictly.

This saw the dancer go 'from the highest point in [his] life to the lowest quite quickly'. Eventually, he decided to 'seek some help', and was open about his struggles in the hope that this would help others.

Tributes from friends and colleagues

Susanna Reid, who danced with Windsor for a Children in Need event, held back tears as she struggled to announce his passing on Good Morning Britain earlier today. Her co-star, Ed Balls, had to take over and share the sad news.

Meanwhile, James Jordan took to Instagram to share a snap of his former co-star while he was still on Strictly. He wrote:

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.

The tributes will undoubtedly keep rolling in for this kind, fun-loving star who was robbed of his career on the Strictly dance floor but managed nonetheless to remain a big supporter.

Read more:

⋙ Steve Wright: Iconic BBC Radio DJ dies aged 69

⋙ Phillip Schofield signed a non-disclosure agreement with his ex-lover almost a year later

⋙ Who is Georgia Tennant? David Tennant's wife who survived cervical cancer

Sources used:

Mirror: Robin Windsor dies at 44 as BBC Strictly Come Dancing co-stars pay tearful tributes

The Sun: LIFE-CHANGING Robin Windsor was forced to quit Strictly ‘or risk ending up in wheelchair’ as dancing pro’s health battle revealed