‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Star Robin Windsor Dies at 44

Robin Windsor poses during the "Here Come The Boys" photocall at London Palladium in London on May 25, 2021. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

British professional dancer Robin Windsor, best known for his performances on BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” has died at the age of 44. The official cause of Mr. Windsor’s death has yet to be confirmed, Deadline reported.

The news of Mr. Windsor’s “tragic passing” was announced by the Sisco Entertainment Group, the creators and producers behind the “Moulin Rouge” tribute show “Come What May,” in which the late Latin and ballroom dancer starred.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor,” the company captioned in an Instagram post.

“His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step,” the statement reads. “Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin’s vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth.

“His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless. His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the entertainment group added. “Robin, you will be deeply missed.”

The London-based company said the production of “Come What May” would continue but noted that Mr. Windsor “will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in [his] light.”

Remembering Robin Windsor

According to Mr. Windsor’s website, the late professional’s love of dancing was born at a very young age. His parents enrolled him in a local dance school in the England port town of Ipswich when he was just three years old.

Fast forward to 2001, and he was cast in the live dance show “Burn the Floor.” There, Mr. Windsor spent the next 10 years touring the world, even performing a run of the theatrical dance experience on Broadway in New York City. He later starred in the Australian version of “Dancing with the Stars” and Holland’s “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Mr. Windsor appeared on “Strictly Come Dancing” from 2010 to 2013. Throughout his run on the series, Mr. Windsor was paired with various actresses, including Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”), Patsy Kensit (“Lethal Weapon 2”), Lisa Riley (“Emmerdale”), and Deborah Meaden, the lattermost of whom is best known for being an investor on the British reality show “Dragon’s Den.”

According to The Economic Times, the dancing professional was ultimately forced to leave the troupe after he suffered a slipped disc and had to have back surgery.

In 2011, he performed alongside former BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid in the charitable “Strictly Come Dancing” special, called “Children in Need.” Ms. Reid, who is now a presenter on “Good Morning Britain,” announced Mr. Windsor’s passing during a Feb. 19 segment of the show.

“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,” she said. “He was absolutely remarkable dancer, incredibly strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.”

In 2013, Mr. Windsor returned to “Burn the Floor,” headlining the show at the prestigious West End theatre in London, which “was a childhood dream completed,” per his biography. He was also able to return to “Strictly Come Dancing” for various holiday specials, such as the show’s 2015 Christmas special.

Tributes Pour In for the Late Dancer

Following the news of his passing, Mr. Windsor’s former colleagues and other public figures have taken to social media to pay their respects, highlighting the tremendous influence he had on the dancing community.

Former “Strictly Come Dancing” professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff issued a lengthy statement on Instagram, which she shared alongside a picture of herself and Mr. Windsor.

“There is no words to express the pain and devastation,” Ms. Rihanoff wrote. “Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our careers.”

Similarly, former “Strictly” judge Bruno Tonioli posted a picture of Mr. Windsor on the platform and praised the late dancer’s work ethic, noting that he was very professional and easygoing.

“It was a pleasure working with Robin for many years,” Mr. Tonioli wrote. “RIP my dear friend,” he continued. “Keep Dancing in heaven.”

Craig Revel Horwood, an Australian-British author, dancer, and “Strictly Come Dancing” judge, expressed his condolences on X, formerly Twitter, calling Mr. Windsor a “dear friend.”

“He was one of the kindest, gentle, honest, funny and caring people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with,” Mr. Horwood wrote. “He will be forever missed. My heart goes out to all his family & friends. RIP darling man, you were truly loved.”

Ms. Riley, Mr. Windsor’s former dancer partner, also posted a tribute on X. “Our forever Angel, who is loved, will always be loved, forever in my heart……my very broken heart, I love you, shine your beautiful, electric energy from heaven,” she wrote.