STRICTLY Come Dancing star Robin Windsor has died aged 44.
The professional dancer finished runner-up in the 2012 series of the hit BBC show with actress Lisa Riley.
Robin first appeared on the BBC series with Patsy Kensit in 2010, reaching week nine of the competition, before being eliminated at the same stage with EastEnders legend Anita Dobson two years later.
He went on to reach week five with Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden in 2013.
He also performed with newsreader Susanna Reid in a special episode for Children In Need in 2011 and The Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond in the 2015 Christmas special.
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Susanna fought back tears as she learned of Robin's death live on Good Morning Britain.
Susanna said: "He was an absolutely remarkable dancer, strong, so creative, he was just so enthusiastic about dancing. I just adored him.
"He was the most incredible personality. As soon as I danced with him there was something really special about it."
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After the break, she continued: "I have wonderful memories of you, Robin. He was very sensual, wonderfully exuberant. Full of strength and creativity. He made me fall in love with dancing. He was a fabulous, phenomenal personality."
Robin left Strictly in 2014, claiming bosses had axed him following a "horrible back operation".
Speaking at the time, he said: "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."
In a lengthy Instagram post, Strictly co-star Kristina Rihanoff revealed Robin was "absolutely destroyed" when he was dropped from his Strictly role.
Sharing pictures of herself with Robin, she wrote: "There is no words to express the pain and devastation.
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"Robin wasn’t just my dance partner, he was a friend and together we shared endless experiences from our careers highlights to hitting Rockbottom of rejection.
She added: "He had stood by me through many rough times during Strictly for which I am deeply grateful for as there was no one else to lean on. He always found the way to bring my spirit up.
"However his own spirit was absolutely destroyed when he was dropped from Strictly and that’s where I started to see changes in his personality, depression and broken self worth.
"While we went on to do many shows tours gigs & appearances together he was struggling more and more with instability of work and excruciating back pain because of the injury he had suffered during Strictly.
"Sadly, us dancers, always neglect our health because we always after the next gig, the next job and he just couldn’t look after his injury properly until there was nothing left to do but have an operation which also put him out of work for quite some time."
The news was confirmed by Sisco Entertainment, which represented him in various areas of theatre and corporate entertainment.
A statement said: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor.
"Robin’s presence in Come What May was more than just a performance; it was an embodiment of passion, grace, and sheer talent.
"His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step.
"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. Robin, you will be deeply missed.
"Though Come What May will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light."
A statement from his agent added: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beautiful Robin.
"Robin's dancing started from a very young age and never stopped. He lit up any room he walked into, he was a nurturing soul always full of fun.
He brought so much happiness to anyone who saw him dance. Strictly Come Dancing, Burn The Floor and many other dance shows along with all the school children around the country who he gave his time.
"Robin was a strong advocate for mental health and worked closely with the ‘Sane Charity’. The dance world has lost some of its sparkle today."
Tributes have poured in for Robin following the tragic announcement of his death.
His former partner and ex-X Factor finalist Marcus Collins shared a photo of the pair together.
He wrote: "The World just got a lot less sparkly. Robin You were so loved."
Robin's former Strictly partner Lisa Riley took to Instagram to share a collage pf photos.
She said: "My Bestie, My Robin, My Angel… now 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. Shine in peace."
Strictly co-star James Jordan said: "I had the pleasure of working with this man for many years on Strictly.
"Everyone who came in contact with him adored him, from his celebrity partners to his working colleagues. You will be missed old friend."
Burn The Floor, an international Ballroom and Latin dance company co-founded by Robin, added: "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."
Away from Strictly, Robin also performed in the West End and on Broadway.
He was enrolled at a local dance school in Ipswich aged three, going on to study Ballroom and Latin dance before representing England at international level.
Robin's big break came in 2001 when he was cast in the popular show Burn The Floor which toured around the world and had a nine-month run on Broadway.
He went on to appear in Dancing with the Stars Australia and So You Think You Can Dance in Holland before his Strictly break in the UK.
After leaving the show, Robin "how people can empower themselves through dance".
He spent his time between London with his dog Lukaz and in St Lucia at The Body Holiday resort.
The star most recently appeared in stage show Come What May, a tribute to Moulin Rouge.
Robin also spent much of January working on the MS Bolette with Fred Olsen Cruises.
